On Valentine’s Day, Lewis Hamilton enters a sprawling studio space in northwest London and intently stares at the magnificent creature standing off in the distance. “Sh-t,” says Hamilton to no one in particular.

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 may have a joint-record seven Formula 1 titles to his name, but he suggested winning the championship with Ferrari would be the most important yet.