Will Lewis Hamilton Love Ferrari? Insights from the 2025 F1 Testing in Bahrain

Will Lewis Hamilton embrace his new life at Ferrari? This question lingered as I watched him arrive at the pre-season testing today. Ferrari stands as a titan in Formula 1, and every driver dreams of being behind the wheel of a Ferrari. Their incredible fan base and rich history are undeniable.

However, Hamilton has carved out a reputation as a fashion icon, often stepping into the paddock donned in eye-catching outfits. Today was a different story; he entered wearing the Ferrari team kit, almost blending into the background. The usual media swarm was minimal, with only about a dozen photographers present. Typically, Lewis would strut confidently towards the cameras, showcasing a striking ensemble. Instead, he seemed to shy away, walking along the walls with his hand raised to his face, a behaviour we haven’t seen from him in quite some time.

It’s quite possible that Ferrari has certain expectations regarding his attire. After all, they are paying him a substantial amount, and it seems they want him to wear their sponsors’ logos. Following his session, rather than taking the usual route through the paddock to the Ferrari hospitality suite, he hurried down a less visible path. This was unusual for Lewis, who often enjoys engaging with his surroundings.

Initially, he mistakenly entered the wrong hospitality suite before finally locating Ferrari’s. I inquired with a few insiders about whether we might see him in more fashionable outfits later this season, and the consensus was negative. A chat with Joe Bueno, Ferrari’s reserve driver, confirmed that it’s ultimately up to the team regarding what drivers wear. This leads me to believe we might not witness Lewis’s fabulous fashion statements in the paddock this year, which would be a shame.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that tomorrow, on day two of testing, he’ll surprise us all by donning something extravagant. However, I can’t help but wonder if Ferrari’s regulations might become somewhat constraining for him.

Now, turning our attention to the track, Hamilton was out there bright and early this morning. At the end of the day, he was the focus of the media, with a crowd waiting for him to finish his session. In stark contrast, Carlos Sainz, who also didn’t drive in the morning session, had very few reporters around him.

Today, we faced a power outage that left the circuit devoid of lights and activity, causing a standstill. The media centre was dark, and the cars were off track, creating an unusual atmosphere.

As I looked around the garages, I noticed that some lacked driver names or photos, with the most interest centred around Hamilton and Sainz’s pictures. A significant change this year is that the Rolex clock has been replaced by a Tag Heuer watch at the pit lane exit, following LVMH’s takeover of Formula One sponsorship.

Netflix was back in action, capturing the moments in the paddock. I even caught them joking with Paul Smith, Red Bull’s communications manager, about Liam Lawson’s trainer and some light-hearted banter about testosterone levels.

As the day progressed, rain began to fall, adding to the chill in the air. For fans of the Melbourne F1 race, there’s good news: the track invasion returns this year! I saw many familiar faces, including the fathers of several drivers, engaging in friendly conversation.

This year, Hamilton has a new press officer, Ella, and I noticed an Aston Martin team jacket with tape covering an alcohol logo. It’s interesting to note that there are six races where F1 teams cannot promote alcohol, including all Middle Eastern races, Baku, and Zandvoort.

Reflecting on the start of the day, at 8:50 AM, all drivers were required at a large dome for a photo shoot. Interestingly, George Russell was the only driver to drive his buggy there, leaving skid marks as he excitedly arrived. Lando Norris faced some amusing seat struggles in the buggy, ending up sitting backward with Kimi Antonelli at the wheel.

Inside the dome, the setup for the photo shoot was quite elaborate. I managed to capture some behind-the-scenes shots, showing drivers looking relaxed until the camera was pointed at them. The last two drivers to arrive were the Williams duo, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, who made quite the entrance just before the shoot.

Interestingly, George Russell and Jos Verstappen were seen chatting in their hotel earlier, suggesting that all past tensions may have settled. As for the weather, rain is forecasted for tomorrow, which is ironic given we chose Bahrain for its usually pleasant climate over Barcelona’s chilly conditions.

Now, let’s shift gears to some exciting developments. Hamilton’s new adventure at Ferrari seems to invigorate him. He has expressed immense pride in being part of the Ferrari family, feeling the passion that drives the team forward. It’s a new chapter for him, and he is eager to contribute to Ferrari’s success, aiming for that elusive championship win that has been out of reach for them.

As we look ahead, Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is just beginning. Whether he can blend his unique style with the team’s expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this season holds promise and excitement for both Hamilton and Ferrari fans alike.

FAQ

• Will Lewis Hamilton wear his fashionable outfits at Ferrari?

  It seems unlikely, as Ferrari has strict regulations regarding team attire.

• What happened during the power outage at the testing?

  The entire circuit lost power, halting all activities temporarily.

• Are there any significant changes to the Ferrari car this year?

  Yes, the car is noticeably darker than last year’s model, which some team members prefer.

• What is the significance of the Tag Heuer watch replacing Rolex?

  Tag Heuer has taken over as the official timekeeper for Formula One following LVMH’s sponsorship takeover.