Vasseur said Hamilton was the “perfect fit” for Ferrari right now, while Leclerc thought the Briton was joining at the ideal point as the team’s mentality is now stronger than ever, in part thanks to Vasseur’s leadership. No longer in a rebuild, the championship is a realistic goal for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has told CNN Sport that his move to Ferrari is “the challenge that I really needed” and that “the number one goal is to win.” The 40-year-old is hoping his move to Maranello will reignite a bid at a record-breaking eighth drivers’ championship title.

Lewis Hamilton says he is “exactly where I’m supposed to be” after an emotional first day on track in Ferrari’s new car. After the previous night’s glitzy Formula 1 season launch in London, Hamilton got behind the wheel of the new Ferrari SF-25 on Wednesday for the first time at the team’s Fiorano test track.