Lewis Hamilton has finally made his first appearance at Ferrari’s factory in Maranello as he begins life with the famous red team.
The most anticipated driver transfer in recent F1 history became official at the turn of the new year. Hamilton signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari back in February.
After almost a year of waiting, the seven-time world champion has traded silver for red as he leaves Mercedes after a record-breaking 12 years in Brackley.
The Brit’s move will likely be his last in F1. Now aged 40, Hamilton will be looking to become the first driver in the sport’s history to win eight championships.
Following a long winter break, he visited the Ferrari factory for the first time on Monday. Hamilton’s first duties with Ferrari consisted of greeting his new team members before completing some simulator work.
Lewis Hamilton mesmerised by Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta during his first factory visit
The Brit sent social media into a frenzy as images of him as a Ferrari driver finally came out. Hamilton posed outside of Enzo Ferrari’s old house with the Ferrari F40 road car behind him – his favourite sportscar.
The 40-year-old was also shown Ferrari’s iconic car collection at the Maranello factory – and there was one machine in particular that caught his eye.
While being shown the collection, Hamilton can be seen admiring one of the pieces on Ferrari’s YouTube channel. The Brit can be heard saying: ‘This is the one’ as he was left mesmerised by the machine.
The car in question is the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta. First manufactured in 1956 as a road car, it was also designed for racing in the GT category.
The 250 GT Berlinetta won the GT class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. Before that, it won the Targa Florio in 1957 and and Tour de France Automobile in 1956, 1957 and 1958 – the first year being won by Alfonso de Portago, who was one of the main focuses of the 2023 Enzo Ferrari biopic.
Lewis Hamilton set for Ferrari debut at the Fiorano Circuit this week
After making his first factory visit, the day Hamilton tests a Ferrari F1 car for the first time is nearing closer.
Hamilton is set to test at the Fiorano Circuit this week, with it being reported that he will step into Ferrari machinery on Wednesday.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family
The Brit will drive either the 2022 or 2023 Ferrari as part of the TPC regulations (Testing of Previous Cars). As per the rules, teammate Charles Leclerc cannot run at the same time as Hamilton and will have to share a car if he is to take part in the test.
Understandably, interest in the session is high as fans are eager to see their new driver in action. The Mayor of Maranello has declared a state of emergency to help regulate the traffic that is set to be affected by hundreds flocking to the circuit.
Ferrari are looking to integrate Hamilton into the team as quickly as possible ahead of the 2025 season. The 40-year-old will be under immense pressure to deliver results, but if he can find his groove, he could be a force to be reckoned with in red.
Leave feedback about this