Lewis Hamilton arrives at Ferrari headquarters ahead of the new F1 season | News from motorsport
The seven-time world champion opens a new chapter in his career with a photo shoot at the Ferrari headquarters in Italy.
Lewis Hamilton, the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time, arrived on his first day at the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy and says it is a dream come true to drive for the Italian team.
Almost a year since Hamilton announced his shock decision to quit Mercedes, where he won six of his seven Formula One world championships, the 40-year-old posed for a photo outside team founder Enzo Ferrari’s office on Monday, standing next to the Ferrari supercar.
“There are some days you know you’ll remember forever, and today, my first time as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
“I’ve been lucky enough to achieve things in my career that I didn’t think were possible, but a part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to make that dream come true today.”
Hamilton’s first day included fitting the seats followed by the simulator, but due to weather conditions, he is unlikely to have his first outing at the Fiorano test track until Wednesday as official testing begins in Bahrain from February 26-28.
The Briton had his worst season in Formula 1 in terms of championship position last year, finishing seventh overall, but won two races after two winless seasons. Hamilton’s last championship win came in 2020.
He replaces Spaniard Carlos Sainz who joined Williams. Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, who have been without a drivers’ title since 2007 but hope to change that in the 2025 season, which starts with the Australian Grand Prix from March 14-16.
“Today we begin a new era in the history of this legendary team and I can’t wait to see what story we write together,” said Hamilton.
