Lewis Hamilton is about to embark on his next adventure in Formula 1 as he officially becomes a Ferrari driver.
The seven-time world champion’s move to F1’s most successful team was confirmed back in February last year. After almost a year of waiting, the day he wears red for the first time nears closer.
Hamilton has signed a multi-year deal with Ferrari – which will likely be his last in F1. The Brit will partner Charles Leclerc and reunite with his former GP2 boss Frederic Vasseur.
Hamilton bid an emotional farewell to Mercedes after 12 incredible years at the end of 2024. The 40-year-old’s relationship with the brand dates back to his McLaren days – making his move to Ferrari a whole new challenge.
He faces the daunting prospect of working with new team members, a new language and one of the strongest drivers on the grid in Leclerc. Therefore, it will be critical for Ferrari to integrate him into the team as quickly as possible.
Preparations are already set in stone for Hamilton ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain next month – and the team may want to ensure one error he made in his first season with Mercedes is not repeated.
Ferrari will hope Lewis Hamilton does not drive into the wrong pit box as he did with Mercedes in 2013
Ferrari have scheduled a test for Hamilton later this month at their private Fiorano Circuit in what will be one of the most historic days in motorsport history.
Naturally, the interest from Ferrari fans will be sky-high. Emerson Fittipaldi says Italy will stop to watch Hamilton drive the famous red car for the first time.
The Maranello outfit plan to keep the test a secret from fans and the media. Vasseur says Hamilton will not have the same fanfare as Michael Schumacher did as they look to solely focus on getting the Brit accustomed to the team and the car ahead of the 2025 season.
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Ferrari will also be looking to prepare all aspects of their operation ahead of the new campaign, including Leclerc, the pit wall and the pit crew. The last one of those may want extra attention to avoid a repeat of one bizarre error Hamilton made back in 2013.
At the Chinese Grand Prix – only his third race for Mercedes after leaving McLaren – Hamilton took pole position and came into the pits on lap eight.
But rather than going straight into the Silver Arrows’ pit box, he instead turned into McLaren’s. Realising the mistake, his old team quickly waved him through as he drove down the pit lane to find his new team waiting for him.
Although it was a comedic error – Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger was seen laughing at him in the garage – Ferrari will not want that to be repeated, given they and Mercedes will be close to each other in the pit lane.
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Ferrari’s performances in 2024 will give them hope and encouragement that they can continue the momentum in 2025. The Maranelo outfit narrowly missed out on the constructors’ title to McLaren last season by 14 points.
With Hamilton joining Leclerc, Ferrari have a dangerous driver pairing. But the former’s arrival comes with concerns as to whether he can put his 2024 woes behind him.
Hamilton registered the lowest finish of his career last year with seventh. Teammate George Russell got the better of him in qualifying and the races, with Saturdays being a huge struggle for the 40-year-old.
Hamilton has been honest with Vasseur about his qualifying woes as he looks to fix the issue as quickly as he can and give himself the best chance to win with Ferrari.
Only Maurice Trintignant has won for Ferrari with the number 44 – and Hamilton will be hoping to take that iconic number to glory again on the famous red car.
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