Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver posts photo on first day with Italian team and says he ‘couldn’t be happier’ ahead of 2025 F1 season | F1 news
Lewis Hamilton said he “couldn’t be happier” to realize his dream of becoming a Ferrari driver as he officially started work with the Italian team on Monday.
Hamilton marked his first day at the famous Prancing Horse’s Maranello factory with a post on social media in which he expressed his delight at realizing a “dream” of a long career.
The seven-time world champion stunned the sporting world last February by deciding to leave Mercedes after 12 years and sign for Ferrari for the 2025 season in the highest-profile sporting transfer of all time.
Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “There are some days you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first time as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days.
“I’ve been lucky enough to achieve things in my career that I didn’t think were possible, but a part of me always had that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to have that dream come true today.
“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.”
Hamilton is due to drive a Ferrari F1 car for the first time later this week, with the Briton expected to get some testing time in his 2023 car at the Fiorano circuit, which is close to the team’s factory.
The blockbuster Hamilton-Ferrari move united the most successful F1 driver in history with the most successful team.
Hamilton, who turned 40 earlier this month, has won a record 105 races and a career-best seven world championships in total, while Ferrari leads the all-time table for triumphs in both the drivers’ (15) and constructors’ (16) titles.
But the Scuderia have not won a title since 2008, although after a strong finish last season they finished within 14 points of new constructors’ champion McLaren in second place.
Ferrari opted against introducing Hamilton with an official press conference, instead waiting for the official unveiling of the 2025 F1 season on February 18, followed by the team’s own media event a day later.
Hamilton ready for ‘total immersion programme’
Shortly after Hamilton’s announcement on social media, Ferrari released more details on how the Brit spent his first day at Maranello.
A team statement said: “Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari adventure is now underway. Early this morning, the seven-time world champion arrived at the team’s headquarters in Maranello at via Enzo Ferrari 27.
“From there he went to the Fiorano circuit where, behind Enzo Ferrari’s house, in a small square that now bears the name of the only other seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher, he was met by team boss Fred Vasseur and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna.
“The traditional ‘first day’ photos were taken there and even the weather helped make Lewis feel at home, with typically British overcast skies and rain. Also on hand was a Ferrari F40, Lewis’ favorite supercar.”
“Next on Lewis’ agenda was a brief visit to Fiorano House and the pit garage, with Vasseur and Vignano, including a look at the famous office, from where Enzo Ferrari would watch his team at work. Hamilton then returned to Scuderia headquarters, where he met the management team and Piero Ferrari, before embarking on a day-long program of total immersion, visiting all the different departments to get to know the team.
“Work continues tomorrow with more technical meetings and briefings as preparations get underway for what will be a very busy season.”
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