F1 boss issues Hamilton warning over Ferrari ‘mentality’

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has stated Lewis Hamilton must adapt to the mentality at Ferrari when he arrives at the team in 2025.

Hamilton will make the switch to the Italian squad next year, bringing an end to his long-standing partnership with Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion will pair up with Charles Leclerc as he seeks a renewed challenge following a difficult period for the Mercedes outfit.

Hamilton has not won a grand prix since towards the end of the 2021 campaign with Mercedes slipping back in the pecking order since the introduction of new technical regulations two years ago.

Domenicali, who held the team principal role at Ferrari from 2008 to 2014, hailed Hamilton's decision as a great story for the sport.

“For us as Formula 1 it’s incredible news,” Domenicali told Sky F1.

“It's a new opportunity, a new chapter of Lewis’ career, a new chapter also for Ferrari.

“These ingredients have taken us already into 2025, even if we are just at the beginning of the chapter of 2024. I think it will be an incredible story.”

Understanding Ferrari mentality

Ferrari will become just the third team Hamilton has competed for during his F1 career following stints at McLaren and Mercedes.

Hamilton's arrival comes amid a period of title drought, with Ferrari last topping the championship standings in 2008.

As he aims to find success within a new organisation, Domenicali hinted that Hamilton will experience a different atmosphere to what he is used to.

“Lewis needs to understand the mentality of Maranello and Italy and I'm sure that he's totally curious to understand that,” he said.

“On the other hand, when there is such an incredible personality coming into the team and in Ferrari, there will be a lot of focus on him.

“Charles will take that as a new fire for him to push him to be even stronger so I think all the things are positive for the team.”