The long-anticipated second has arrived: the world has caught its first glimpse of Lewis Hamilton getting into his new function as a Ferrari Method 1 driver after almost a yr of hypothesis and build-up.
Early Monday morning, Ferrari followers have been handled to a short but historic sight of Hamilton arriving at Maranello for his first day with the Scuderia. This marks a seismic occasion within the sport’s historical past as Method 1’s most embellished driver joins forces with its most iconic and profitable staff.
Hamilton’s mission at Ferrari is obvious: to safe an unprecedented eighth Drivers’ Championship title and cement his place because the undisputed biggest within the sport.
The 40-year-old final claimed a championship in 2020. The next yr, he was heartbreakingly denied on the ultimate lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, dropping out to Max Verstappen in controversial circumstances and lacking the chance to surpass Michael Schumacher’s report seven titles.
For Ferrari, the championship drought has stretched even longer. The Scuderia final celebrated a Constructors’ Championship in 2008, and no Ferrari driver has claimed the Drivers’ title since Kimi Räikkönen’s dramatic 2007 victory, when he edged out each Hamilton and Fernando Alonso within the season finale.
Workforce principal Frederic Vasseur got here tantalizingly near ending that barren spell in 2024, as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took the struggle to their rivals however in the end fell one race in need of capturing the Constructors’ crown. Now, with Hamilton and Leclerc forming a powerhouse lineup, Ferrari is optimistic that 2025 might lastly be their yr.
Hamilton himself heightened the anticipation by sharing {a photograph} on social media, marking his official arrival at Ferrari. The picture shortly sparked widespread pleasure and even caught the eye of 1996 World Champion Damon Hill, who weighed in on the historic second along with his personal response.
Damon Hill Reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut Photograph
Posting a photograph of himself in entrance of Enzo Ferrari’s iconic residence at Maranello, Hamilton mirrored on the importance of the second, describing his first day as a Ferrari driver as one he would bear in mind eternally. He expressed gratitude for the unbelievable achievements in his profession that he had by no means imagined doable, whereas admitting that part of him had all the time held onto the dream of racing in Ferrari purple.
Hamilton shared his happiness at lastly realising that dream and spoke of his pleasure about beginning a brand new chapter within the historical past of the legendary staff. He appeared ahead to the journey forward and the story they’d create collectively.
Damon Hill shared his response on Instagram to a picture of Lewis Hamilton, impeccably dressed, as he marked the start of his Ferrari journey. Hill commented, “There it’s, the start @scuderiaferrari,” capturing the joy of the second.
The hanging picture has already fueled enthusiasm amongst Ferrari followers, who’re eagerly anticipating seeing Hamilton in full Ferrari racing overalls for the primary time—a second sure to amplify the hype even additional.
Lewis Hamilton’s Preliminary Tasks as a Ferrari Driver
Whereas followers are most excited to witness Hamilton behind the wheel of a Ferrari Method 1 automotive, his quick duties contain loads of groundwork earlier than that second arrives.
On his first day at Maranello, Hamilton’s schedule was full of introductory actions important for integrating into his new staff. Assembly the engineers, mechanics, and varied workers members—key figures who will depend on his experience to carry long-awaited success to Ferrari—was a high precedence.
Along with these introductions, Hamilton was possible scheduled for his first seat becoming, making certain that the cockpit accommodates him completely. He was additionally anticipated to start simulator work, a significant step in familiarizing himself with Ferrari’s methods and strategy to automotive growth.
Though Hamilton isn’t recognized for spending intensive hours within the simulator, in contrast to his rival Max Verstappen, the 40-year-old might want to benefit from these classes. Adapting to the nuances of a brand new staff and automotive is important, particularly given the restricted pre-season testing alternatives allowed in Method 1.
Till the time comes for Hamilton to take to the observe in Ferrari’s 2025 contender, the simulator presents the perfect probability to arrange for what may very well be probably the most thrilling campaigns of his profession.