Key takeaways:

• Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari has "every ingredient" needed to win the F1 title.
• He feels hopeful about securing his eighth championship in a strong team environment.
• Hamilton is adapting well to Ferrari, spending time at the team's facilities to integrate.
• Teammate Charles Leclerc supports Hamilton's move, highlighting the positive team dynamics.
• The Formula 1 season kicks off in Australia on March 16.

Lewis Hamilton has expressed strong optimism about Ferrari's chances of capturing their first Formula 1 title since 2008. After driving the new Ferrari SF-25 car at the Fiorano test track, the 40-year-old driver noted, "They've got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship," according to South China Morning Post. Hamilton, who is acclimatizing to his new surroundings, is currently living in a motorhome near the test track to facilitate his integration into the team. His previous experiences with championship-winning teams have made him confident in Ferrari's potential, as he stated, "I've worked with two world-championship-winning teams before. I know what a winning team looks and feels like."

Ferrari last celebrated a constructors' championship in 2008, and its last individual driver champion was Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. As Hamilton prepares for the upcoming season, he is optimistic about his ambitions for an eighth title. "It's going to be close at the top, but I've got a great teammate," he said, confident that team morale and energy are on an upswing. Furthermore, teammate Charles Leclerc described Hamilton's arrival as a significant boost for the team, emphasizing the calm and clear focus within Ferrari which is crucial for success.

During a video call from Maranello, Hamilton recalled the electric atmosphere surrounding his debut with Ferrari, with throngs of fans in attendance at the car's launch. He depicted his day-to-day experiences at the team as enjoyable and productive, remarking, "I've genuinely loved every day I have been here," according to BBC.

As the season opener approaches, with the first race set for March 16 in Australia, Hamilton and Ferrari remain focused on putting all the necessary pieces together to challenge for the championship. He believes that the team's continued dedication will be pivotal in closing the gap with rivals like McLaren and Red Bull, with the latter being led by four-time champion Max Verstappen. Enhancing this potential is Hamilton's own rich history and determination, as he noted, "If I was fortunate enough to win another title... I don't see myself stopping," reiterating his passion for racing and desire to succeed.

For further details on Hamilton's statements and the Ferrari team's ambitions, visit Channel News Asia.