Lewis Hamilton has formally arrived at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters, marking the graduation of his preparations for the 2025 System 1 season. This second indicators the beginning of what Hamilton envisions as a outstanding closing part of his illustrious F1 profession.
As anticipated, Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari was full of introductions and conferences. After reconnecting with Fred Vasseur, who had been his workforce principal within the decrease racing classes, Hamilton met with a number of members of Ferrari’s senior administration. This included Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari’s CEO, and Piero Ferrari, the corporate’s vice-chairman and son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari. Following these discussions, Hamilton toured the varied departments inside the Maranello facility.
The spotlight of the week will undoubtedly be Hamilton’s first take a look at with the workforce. Followers are eagerly awaiting the second when they may lastly see the seven-time world champion behind the wheel of Ferrari’s iconic purple automobiles.
Below present laws, Ferrari has the choice to make use of both the 2022 or 2023 automotive for this preliminary take a look at. There’s additionally a chance that Hamilton will get the possibility to drive the 2025 automotive earlier than the official pre-season take a look at in Bahrain on the finish of subsequent month.
Whereas the Maranello workforce has not but confirmed when Lewis Hamilton’s first take a look at on the Fiorano observe will happen, it appears possible that he’ll start by utilizing the workforce’s simulator. This cautious method would enable him to familiarize himself with the automotive earlier than hitting the workforce’s residence observe.
In a associated growth, the mayor of Maranello has declared a state of emergency following the overwhelming inflow of followers desperate to see Hamilton in motion. In keeping with F1-Insider, the mayor has requested extra police help from close by areas to deal with the crowds. The primary concern is managing the site visitors within the small city, which has been swamped by followers following probably the most vital driver transfers in F1 historical past.
Native resorts are reportedly absolutely booked, and to alleviate among the strain, Ferrari is protecting Lewis Hamilton’s take a look at schedule underneath wraps. This determination is meant to stop followers from gathering at Fiorano prematurely.
Earlier this week, Ferrari unveiled the primary official picture of Hamilton as a workforce driver, that includes him alongside his favourite supercar, the Ferrari F40, in entrance of Enzo Ferrari’s residence. The picture rapidly garnered large consideration, with practically 5 million likes on Instagram as of this writing.
The joy surrounding Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari has solely grown, with former F1 champion Damon Hill commenting on the publish, saying, “There it’s, the start.” Hamilton is now targeted on securing an unprecedented eighth world title with the Scuderia. In the meantime, McLaren’s Lando Norris expressed his admiration for Hamilton by calling him a “don,” remarking on his sharp look in a swimsuit and overcoat reasonably than the standard workforce gear.
The Italian facet is ready to formally launch their 2025 season on February 19, at some point after the F175 occasion in London. The workforce will unveil their new livery on the O2, becoming a member of the opposite 9 F1 groups within the annual pre-season festivities.