Seven-time Formula One (F1) world champion Lewis Hamilton has officially begun his journey with Ferrari, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. Hamilton, regarded as F1’s most successful driver, arrived at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy, for his first day with the iconic team.
A New Era for Hamilton
Nearly a year after announcing his surprise departure from Mercedes, where he secured six of his seven world titles, Hamilton expressed his excitement about fulfilling a lifelong dream. Posing in front of team founder Enzo Ferrari’s legendary office alongside a Ferrari supercar, the 40-year-old shared his thoughts:
“Some days you know you’ll remember forever, and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days,” he wrote on Instagram.
Hamilton added that racing for Ferrari has always been a dream, and he’s thrilled to finally wear the team’s signature red.
First Day at Ferrari HQ
Hamilton’s first day included a seat fitting and simulator sessions to prepare for the upcoming season. While his track debut at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track is delayed until Wednesday due to weather conditions, the team has confirmed that official testing will take place in Bahrain from February 26-28.
A Comeback Opportunity
Hamilton joins Ferrari after a challenging season in 2024, where he finished seventh overall in the championship standings—his lowest since debuting in F1. Despite the struggles, he managed two race victories, ending a two-year winless streak. His last championship win was in 2020, and he now looks to reignite his career with Ferrari, a team that hasn’t claimed a drivers’ title since 2007.
Partnering with Charles Leclerc
Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s talented young driver, replacing Carlos Sainz, who has moved to Williams. The duo aims to break Ferrari’s title drought and bring success back to the legendary team. The 2025 F1 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix from March 14-16.
Looking Ahead
As Hamilton embarks on this new journey, he remains optimistic about the future:
“Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”
Fans and the racing world eagerly anticipate how this partnership will shape the 2025 season and whether Hamilton’s dream of racing in red will translate into championship glory.
