The day that seemed impossible for so long has finally arrived – Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 world champion and living legend of the sport, is a Ferrari driver. After a glittering, record-breaking 15-year stint at Mercedes, Hamilton shocked the world last year by announcing a sensational switch to the iconic Italian outfit on a multi-year deal.
Now, the Briton is set to immerse himself fully in the Ferrari way of life with a visit to the team’s fabled Maranello headquarters this week. The sprawling Ferrari campus, nestled in the heart of Italy’s ‘Motor Valley’, will be Hamilton’s new home as he settles into his fresh surroundings.
A Warm Italian Welcome for Hamilton
Expectations and excitement are sky-high as Hamilton prepares to walk through the doors at Maranello for the first time as a fully-fledged Ferrari driver. Team boss Fred Vasseur says the whole squad is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new superstar.
We are all getting ready, the last things are going to be ready very soon. Lewis is coming to Ferrari and we are ready — we are almost ready for everything.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna on Hamilton’s imminent arrival
Vigna’s comments underline the sense of anticipation coursing through the corridors of power in Maranello. After years of underachievement, the Scuderia bosses have staked their hopes on Hamilton being the final piece of the puzzle in their bid to return to the summit of Formula 1.
Debut Ferrari Test Drive on the Cards
As well as getting to know his new colleagues and surroundings, Hamilton’s first week as a Ferrari driver will involve some vital track time. The 38-year-old is penciled in for a run in a 2023-spec Ferrari F1 car at some point in the coming days, although the team says the exact timing will depend on weather conditions.
For the test, Ferrari will leverage its Fiorano test track which is handily located on-site at Maranello. The 1.9-mile circuit has been a proving ground for the Italian marque’s road and racing cars for over 50 years.
F1 testing restrictions mean Hamilton will be limited to 100km of running in a car that’s at least two years old. But even a brief taste of Ferrari machinery will be an important milestone as driver and team begin to understand one another.
No Concerns Over Hamilton’s Acclimatization
As a 17-season F1 veteran with a record 103 wins to his name, Hamilton should have little trouble adapting to his new environment according to boss Vasseur.
Obviously he will be able to do a race simulation, qualy simulation into the simulator, and to be fully prepared with the steering wheel and the particularities of the race. But honestly, I’m not worried about this.
Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur on Hamilton’s switch
After getting a first sample at Fiorano this week, Hamilton’s next runs will likely come in a more representative 2023 or 2024 car at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya later this month.
Then it’s on to the main event – the launch of Ferrari’s 2025 challenger on February 19, where Hamilton will take the covers off the tool he hopes will propel him to an unprecedented eighth drivers’ crown and a first for the Scuderia since 2007.
From the glamour and prestige of the launch to the intensity of pre-season testing in Bahrain the following week, it promises to be a hectic but thrilling baptism for Hamilton at Ferrari as the most intriguing partnership of modern F1 times begins in earnest. All eyes will be on the man in red to see if he can rekindle the fire that has made him a Ferrari legend in waiting.
