Ferrari vs Mercedes: Hamilton has never felt so much pressure

After more than a decade in the ultra-organized cocoon of Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton is gradually discovering what it really means to be a driver. Ferrari. And the culture shock is equal to the prestige of the Scuderia.

"This is the greatest team in the history of the Formula 1. It's so special - there are so many stories that have been written, and a lot of people have their opinions," confided the seven-time world champion on Thursday, at the press conference preceding the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

But if the story is great, the adaptation is no less so. Hamilton himself admits that he's not yet totally at ease with the SF-25. And it's not just a question of driving. "You can't work in a team and change everything overnight," he reminded us. "We spend time getting to know each other. We make short-term adjustments together, keep what works best, and continue to invest in the areas where we want to be stronger. Some things take little time, others much more. There's an awful lot to deal with in this team."

Incomparable Ferrari pressure

Beyond the technical aspects, it's above all Ferrari's unique environment that has Hamilton on the edge of his seat. There is constant media exposure, and every word and gesture becomes a subject for analysis. "There's a lot more pressure here, and you're in the spotlight a lot more than anywhere else," admitted the Briton. "Everyone here puts their heart into it. It's a rollercoaster: we go through the highs and lows together. But I have no doubt that we'll reach our goals. It will just take time."

Ferrari seeks rebound in Jeddah

This weekend in Jeddah concludes a series of three races in three weeks for the Scuderia. And after a start to the season dominated by McLaren, which has won three of the first four races, Ferrari is hoping for a boost. Developments in Bahrain should have a greater effect on Saudi Arabia's fast-paced, fluid circuit.

Charles Leclerc himself has hinted that progress will be visible. The aim is clear: to close the gap on McLaren, and begin to reassert the Red's ambitions in a season that is still wide open.