Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been one of the biggest talking points in the Formula 1 world, and eagle-eyed fans have already noticed familiar habits from his Mercedes days making their way into his new routine. As the seven-time world champion gets accustomed to his new surroundings at the Maranello-based team, small details in his approach are showing that some traditions die hard.

Hamilton is currently in the midst of his first official Formula 1 sessions as a Ferrari driver, with pre-season testing taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit. The three-day test, concluding on Friday, February 28, 2025, provides drivers with an opportunity to fine-tune their setups before the season kicks off. While it is still early days, Hamilton has already made an impact. On Thursday morning, he set the fastest lap of the test so far, demonstrating that his switch to Ferrari has not slowed him down. However, in an ironic twist, it was his predecessor at the Scuderia, Carlos Sainz, who managed to beat Hamilton’s time later in the afternoon session.

After spending 12 highly successful years with Mercedes, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the beginning of a new chapter. Yet, some aspects of his routine remain unchanged. Observers have pointed out similarities between the setup he maintained at Mercedes and what he is now implementing at Ferrari. These include elements of his race preparation, personal support system, and even specific actions during race starts.

One key figure in Hamilton’s Ferrari adaptation has been Angela Cullen, his former trainer, who has made a surprising return to his side. Cullen, a New Zealander known for her close working relationship with Hamilton, was seen at the Ferrari garage on the first day of testing. Wearing Ferrari team gear, she was photographed alongside Hamilton, marking the first time the duo had been seen together since his high-profile move. Her presence is likely to be a source of comfort and stability for Hamilton as he navigates his new team environment.

Beyond personnel, Hamilton’s race start routine has also caught the attention of F1 fans. During the second day of pre-season testing, a familiar gesture from Hamilton was shared widely on social media. While performing a practice start at the end of the pit lane, he placed his left hand on top of the steering wheel—an action he frequently did at Mercedes. This seemingly small but significant detail hints at Hamilton’s desire to maintain continuity in his approach, even as he adapts to a different car and team.

Race starts are a crucial aspect of any driver’s performance, and Hamilton’s attention to detail in this area is well-known. The intricacies of a Formula 1 car’s steering wheel, which is equipped with an array of buttons, dials, and settings, mean that even small habitual movements can provide a sense of familiarity. While Ferrari’s start procedure may differ from what Hamilton was used to at Mercedes, his muscle memory and pre-race rituals remain an important part of his preparation. Fans on social media were quick to celebrate the return of this signature Hamilton routine, taking it as a sign that he is already feeling comfortable in his new car.

For Hamilton, the move to Ferrari is about more than just adapting to a new team—it is about making history. At 40 years old, he is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, and his switch to Ferrari presents a unique challenge. Many greats have driven for the Scuderia, but Hamilton’s ambition to add another championship to his already illustrious career makes this partnership particularly exciting. The testing sessions in Bahrain offer the first real glimpse into what this new era might look like, and so far, the signs are promising.

While testing times do not always translate to race performance, Hamilton’s early pace shows that he is as competitive as ever. The real test will come when the lights go out for the first race of the season, but for now, fans can take comfort in the fact that Hamilton’s well-known habits and meticulous attention to detail remain intact. His return to old routines, from working with Angela Cullen to maintaining his signature start technique, suggests that despite the change in scenery, Hamilton is still very much the driver who dominated the sport for over a decade.

As the F1 world eagerly awaits the start of the 2025 season, Hamilton’s presence at Ferrari has already electrified the fanbase. Whether or not his familiar habits will translate into success on the track remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Lewis Hamilton is determined to leave his mark in red, just as he did in silver. With his eyes set on an eighth world title, the coming season promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.