Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari was nothing short of historic. Although the crowds in Maranello weren’t huge, the excitement surrounding the arrival of the most successful F1 driver at the most successful F1 team was palpable. The online reaction was off the charts!
Just the night before, a stunning press release from Ferrari dropped with an iconic image of Hamilton taken outside Enzo Ferrari’s home in Maranello. His outfit was stylish—possibly a Giorgio Armani piece, which is a Ferrari sponsor—but it seemed more likely to be a personal choice, perhaps styled by his team.
In the background, an F40 car caught the eye of many fans online. The symbolism was not lost on anyone: seven windows representing Hamilton’s seven championships, and a door that could signify hope for an eighth. Despite speculation, Hamilton is not staying at Enzo’s home but in Milan, making the trip via Ferrari’s own helicopter. This is no ordinary chopper; it’s an AW139 Augusta Westland, capable of seating 15 in comfort and reaching speeds of 310 km/h!
When Lewis arrived, about 80 fans—mostly locals—were present, a surprisingly small turnout given the circumstances. His track day was scheduled for Wednesday, and the chilly weather required a proper suit and overcoat. Interestingly, many fans noted he didn’t wear a red tie, unlike Michael Schumacher’s iconic arrival.
The media buzzed with the astonishing photograph of Hamilton, captured by photographer Andre Wagner, who was the only one present for that moment. The wet conditions provided a beautiful reflection, complementing Hamilton’s serious demeanor as he posed next to the F40.
So, what did Hamilton’s first day entail? He arrived by helicopter before most media, then traveled to the Maranello headquarters and onto the Fiorano track. There, he met team principal Fred Vasseur and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna against the backdrop of Enzo’s house, a fitting homage to the legacy of the sport.
Following a tour, it was back to headquarters where he met the management team and Piero Ferrari before diving into a day-long immersion program. Hamilton’s cordiality shone through as he engaged with the team behind the scenes, greeting many crew members warmly.
Later that day, an unplanned moment occurred when Hamilton stepped out to greet the fans around 3:30 PM. He was polite and enjoyed the interaction, although the small crowd meant it was manageable. Notably, Charles Leclerc’s security guard and former Carlos Sainz PR manager Pedro Sebrion were spotted among the crowd, illustrating the close-knit environment of the Ferrari team.
Interestingly, the locals seemed somewhat reserved, perhaps waiting for Hamilton to prove himself on the track before fully embracing him. However, anticipation for Wednesday’s test day was high, with expectations that the streets would fill with fans eager to catch a glimpse of their new driver.
Debates were rampant about what colour race suit Hamilton would wear during his test at Fiorano. Speculation included plain white, red, or black—echoing the tradition of Ferrari drivers. Given that Hamilton would likely greet fans after the test, it seemed he would continue the legacy of engaging with supporters.
As Hamilton settles into his new role, he acknowledges the significance of this transition. “It’s not just about me; it’s about you, the fans,” he mentioned, reflecting on the overwhelming support and excitement surrounding his move to Ferrari. This is a new chapter in F1 history, and Hamilton is ready to write it.
FAQ
- When did Lewis Hamilton join Ferrari?
Hamilton joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season. - What car did Hamilton drive during his first test?
He drove a Ferrari SF-23, a car from the 2023 season. - What helicopter does Hamilton use to travel to Maranello?
Hamilton uses Ferrari’s AW139 Augusta Westland helicopter for his travels between Milan and Maranello. - Will Hamilton engage with fans during his test days?
Yes, it is expected that he will greet fans as part of Ferrari’s tradition.
For more about Hamilton’s journey and exclusive content, check out Signed Prints – Kym Illman or explore Pro Star Pics for high-quality images from every F1 race.