Lewis Hamilton’s first week at Ferrari has generated a massive flock of Tifosi fans, who have lined the streets of Maranello in anticipation of his first laps as their driver.
The seven-time champion completed his first laps for Ferrari at the Fiorano circuit on Wednesday morning in an older car after his first run was delayed by weather on Monday.
2025 marks Hamilton’s first real opportunity to compete for a championship since he lost agonisingly to Max Verstappen in 2021.
Ferrari faces an additional obstacle for Hamilton’s 2025 car after opting to ditch last year’s concept and design a completely new automobile.
It creates another challenge for Charles Leclerc too, who was used to the characteristics and behaviours of the old car which led them to second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton’s first Ferrari laps were slower than Leclerc’s best Fiorano times but he was on a slippery track and getting used to some unfamiliar machinery.
Lewis Hamilton has sent Ferrari F1 fans into ‘pandemonium’ after arrival
Over 1,000 fans turned up for Hamilton’s Ferrari debut as he ran 90km in mixed conditions. It’s a testament to the diehard nature of the Italian supporters.
There are still two more months before his official debut at the Australian Grand Prix, but it’s a track which should suit the Scuderia and is one that they won at last year.
READ MORE: Ferrari fans shouted just two words when they saw Lewis Hamilton on track for the first time
Riccardo Ceccarelli mentioned that Hamilton’s arrival in Italy has sent fans into pandemonium as they eagerly awaited his first laps for the team.
“Here is what we expected, Hamilton arriving at Fiorano and the pandemonium breaks out and moves the masses,” he said. “There are expectations that there are there.
“This is Hamilton and this is that partnership that begins perhaps I don’t think there has ever been in the history of Ferrari a driver [so significant].”
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Ferrari have already rectified one two-year Hamilton problem after adjusting his seat position to his liking for the new car.
Making him feel more comfortable in the cockpit will only add to his confidence levels and boost their chances of success together.
Peter Windsor thinks Hamilton will find Ferrari tougher than Mercedes now that he has a teammate of Leclerc’s calibre.
READ MORE: What Lewis Hamilton said to Ferrari chairman John Elkann on his first day at the team’s factory
George Russell was no slouch either though and if the Brit managed to hold his own against the Mercedes star, he should be fine on a Sunday against his new partner.
Hamilton is aware that he needs to find improvements on a Saturday after he struggled in qualifying last year, but if he can find a few tenths, he might just put himself into contention for an eighth title.
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