Lewis Hamilton has officially arrived at Ferrari’s legendary Maranello headquarters, marking the start of one of the most highly anticipated partnerships in modern Formula 1 history. The seven-time world champion, who dominated the sport with Mercedes for over a decade, is set to begin a new chapter in Ferrari red, fulfilling a lifelong dream while sparking intense speculation about what lies ahead.
Hamilton’s First Day at Maranello
Dressed in a sharp suit, Hamilton made his entrance at Via Enzo Ferrari 27, greeted by Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna and team principal Frédéric Vasseur. Against the iconic backdrop of Enzo Ferrari’s former office and his favourite Ferrari F40, Hamilton posed for photos, symbolising a new era for the Scuderia.
While no track action was scheduled for his first day, the British driver spent time meeting his new team, undergoing seat fittings, and immersing himself in the Ferrari ecosystem. His schedule also included simulator work and technical briefings with engineers, including Riccardo Adami, who will take over as his race engineer following Peter Bonnington’s decision to remain at Mercedes.
Ferrari’s Expectations for 2025
Ferrari has not claimed a Drivers’ Championship since Kimi Räikkönen’s 2007 triumph, but the arrival of Hamilton signals a major shift in ambition. Partnering with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s move is expected to ignite Ferrari’s championship push, leveraging his experience and relentless drive to succeed.
The 2024 season saw Ferrari struggle with consistency, yet their development programme has been aggressive. With Hamilton’s input, Ferrari’s 2025 challenger—codenamed Project 677—aims to take the fight to Red Bull and McLaren from the season opener in Melbourne.
The Abu Dhabi 2021 Factor: A Redemption Arc?
One of the underlying narratives of Hamilton’s move is his departure from Mercedes in the aftermath of the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Many believe this switch is not just about driving for Ferrari but also about securing an eighth title and rewriting his legacy. Can he finally put 2021 behind him and cement himself as the undisputed greatest of all time?
When Will Hamilton Drive His First Ferrari?
Hamilton is expected to take his first laps in a Ferrari F1 car later this week at Fiorano, using an older-spec model for initial testing. His first proper outing in the 2025 car will take place on February 19 during Ferrari’s official launch event, followed by the Bahrain pre-season test from February 26-28.
The Verdict: A Title-Winning Move or a Risky Gamble?
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is undoubtedly one of the boldest career decisions in F1 history. While the Scuderia has the resources and pedigree to support a championship campaign, their recent track record has been inconsistent. Will Hamilton’s arrival be the missing piece of Ferrari’s title puzzle, or is he stepping into a team still plagued by strategic missteps and reliability concerns?
One thing is certain—2025 is shaping up to be a season like no other. Hamilton in Ferrari red is no longer a fantasy—it’s the new reality, and the world will be watching.
