A New Era for Formula 1’s Greatest Champion
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has officially embarked on his highly anticipated journey with Ferrari, marking one of the most seismic moves in Formula 1 history. After a record-breaking 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton’s switch to the iconic Scuderia has captivated the motorsport world, uniting the sport’s most successful driver with its most storied team.
Hamilton’s first day in Ferrari red on Monday at Maranello, the team’s historic headquarters, was steeped in symbolism. The British driver’s arrival signals a bold new chapter for Ferrari, which has endured a title drought since 2008.
Hamilton Hits the Fiorano Track
On Wednesday morning, Hamilton climbed into Ferrari’s 2023 car at the Fiorano circuit, making his maiden laps for the team at precisely 9:16 am local time. The session offered Hamilton an invaluable opportunity to familiarise himself with Ferrari’s operations, engineering practices, and the characteristics of their machinery.
Ahead of his debut run, Ferrari amplified the excitement by sharing a photo of Hamilton’s new helmet and an image of the British star in Ferrari’s signature red suit on social media. Fans around the globe celebrated the moment, eager to see how this partnership could reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
A Legacy Meets a Dream
Hamilton, who turned 40 this month, joins Ferrari with a staggering 105 Grand Prix wins to his name, tying Michael Schumacher for the most world titles in F1 history. Now paired with Ferrari—a team boasting 15 drivers’ and 16 constructors’ championships—the combination is a marriage of unparalleled legacy and ambition.
However, Ferrari faces a steep climb. Their last constructors’ title came in 2008, and their resurgence in 2024 fell just short, finishing second to McLaren in the standings by 14 points. With Hamilton’s arrival, expectations are sky-high for Ferrari to finally reclaim their dominance.
Early Adaptation: Testing a Ferrari Power Unit
Under Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) rules, Ferrari utilized one of their permitted sessions at Fiorano to allow Hamilton to test their 2023 car. This session is crucial, as it marks the first time Hamilton has driven a car powered by a Ferrari engine after spending his entire 18-year career with Mercedes power units.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur emphasized the importance of Hamilton’s early integration. “Lewis brings a wealth of experience and success, and this session allows us to fine-tune our working relationship ahead of pre-season testing,” Vasseur remarked.
The Road to Bahrain and Beyond
Hamilton’s preparation will continue with pre-season testing scheduled in Bahrain from February 26-28. Teams are prohibited from running their 2025 cars until then, making every TPC session invaluable. Ferrari has also hinted at Hamilton’s involvement in upcoming Pirelli tyre tests, which could provide additional track time as he acclimates to his new team.
A Blockbuster Partnership Awaits
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sparked a wave of excitement across the F1 community. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Hamilton’s unparalleled skill and Ferrari’s rich history will combine to challenge the dominance of rivals like Red Bull and McLaren. As one of the most decorated drivers in history joins forces with the sport’s most iconic team, the stakes for the 2025 season couldn’t be higher.
With Hamilton’s debut in Ferrari red now a reality, the world waits to see if this historic partnership will write the next great chapter in Formula 1 history.