Beyond the safe confines of Ferrari HQ in Maranello and the adjoining Fiorano circuit, this week in Bahrain will be the first time we see Lewis Hamilton properly unleashed for the fabled Scuderia. This week’s official – and only – three-day pre-season test in Bahrain will give the waiting world a first glimpse at the pecking order in Formula One this year,

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.

Following the last three dismal seasons with Mercedes, the 40-year-old has already been speaking of his excitement at the fresh start with the Maranello outfit, and made his debut in a Ferrari car in January,