In a move that is set to shake the very foundations of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton has posted his first-ever picture dressed in Ferrari overalls, signaling the dawn of a new chapter in his illustrious career. The 40-year-old driver, one of the sport’s greatest icons, is set to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time at the constructor’s test track in Fiorano this Wednesday.
Hamilton’s stunning transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari was confirmed just days ago, and he has already been immersed in the team’s operations at their Maranello headquarters. His whirlwind 48 hours in Italy included meeting his new colleagues, undergoing physical assessments, and familiarizing himself with the legendary Scuderia brand, marking a monumental shift in both his career and the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
For a driver who has spent his entire F1 career with Mercedes, Hamilton’s first drive for Ferrari is a momentous occasion—one that has fans and pundits alike buzzing with anticipation. On Wednesday, Hamilton will take to the track at Fiorano, Ferrari’s private test facility, to conduct his maiden test with the team. It will be the first time in his career that he will race in the famous red livery, ending his long association with Mercedes and ushering in an entirely new challenge.
In a social media post shared with his millions of followers, Hamilton expressed his excitement about the new chapter:
“I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.”
This marks a highly emotional moment for the British driver, who has long been associated with Mercedes’ dominance in the hybrid era but has harbored a dream of joining Ferrari, the sport’s most iconic and passionate team. With his first test drive just around the corner, Hamilton’s aspirations are set to turn into reality.
He went on to say:
“Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”
Now that Lewis Hamilton has officially joined Ferrari for the 2025 season, expect a major shift in the team’s fortunes. As one of the most experienced and successful drivers in F1 history, Hamilton’s arrival brings an unparalleled wealth of racecraft and strategic insight. His leadership and technical feedback will be crucial in helping Ferrari refine their car, particularly with improving its consistency and performance across various race conditions. Working alongside Charles Leclerc, Hamilton will have a teammate who is fast and hungry for success, which could foster an exciting internal rivalry that pushes both drivers to extract the maximum from the Ferrari package. Their combined talents could finally propel Ferrari back to the front of the grid, where they’ve struggled to consistently compete for championships in recent years.
However, Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari will not be without its challenges. Moving from Mercedes, a team with which he has enjoyed great success for over a decade, to Ferrari will require adaptation to a different car philosophy and a new team culture. While Hamilton’s expertise will undoubtedly help in car development and race strategy, Ferrari’s often-criticized strategy calls will test his patience and ability to manage under pressure. The media and fan attention surrounding his move will also be intense, with Hamilton’s every move scrutinized as he attempts to add to Ferrari’s storied history and aim for an eighth world title. This high-profile move sets the stage for an intriguing 2025 season, with Hamilton looking to leave his mark on Ferrari and help return the team to its championship-winning ways.
