Lewis Hamilton has formally arrived at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters, marking the graduation of his preparations for the 2025 Formulation 1 season. This second alerts the beginning of what Hamilton envisions as a exceptional ultimate 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 crew 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 throughout the Maranello facility.
The spotlight of the week will undoubtedly be Hamilton’s first check with the crew. Followers are eagerly awaiting the second when they’ll lastly see the seven-time world champion behind the wheel of Ferrari’s iconic crimson automobiles.
Beneath present rules, Ferrari has the choice to make use of both the 2022 or 2023 automobile for this preliminary check. There may be additionally a risk that Hamilton will get the prospect to drive the 2025 automobile earlier than the official pre-season check in Bahrain on the finish of subsequent month.
Whereas the Maranello crew has not but confirmed when Lewis Hamilton’s first check on the Fiorano observe will happen, it appears seemingly that he’ll start through the use of the crew’s simulator. This cautious method would permit him to familiarize himself with the automobile earlier than hitting the crew’s house observe.
In a associated improvement, the mayor of Maranello has declared a state of emergency following the overwhelming inflow of followers desirous to see Hamilton in motion. Based on F1-Insider, the mayor has requested extra police assist from close by areas to deal with the crowds. The principle concern is managing the site visitors within the small city, which has been swamped by followers following one of the vital vital driver transfers in F1 historical past.
Native lodges are reportedly absolutely booked, and to alleviate a few of the stress, Ferrari is retaining Lewis Hamilton’s check schedule beneath wraps. This choice is meant to forestall followers from gathering at Fiorano prematurely.
Earlier this week, Ferrari unveiled the primary official picture of Hamilton as a crew driver, that includes him alongside his favourite supercar, the Ferrari F40, in entrance of Enzo Ferrari’s residence. The picture shortly garnered large consideration, with almost 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 submit, 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 moderately than the standard crew gear.
The Italian aspect is about to formally launch their 2025 season on February 19, at some point after the F175 occasion in London. The crew will unveil their new livery on the O2, becoming a member of the opposite 9 F1 groups within the annual pre-season festivities.