Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, visited the headquarters of his new team, Ferrari, this week in Maranello, Italy. The visit marked a significant milestone in his career as he met with team principal Fred Vasseur and CEO Benedetto Vigna. Hamilton’s visit to the iconic team’s base included a memorable moment where he posed for photos outside the house of the legendary founder Enzo Ferrari. Standing next to an F40, his favored Ferrari road car, he shared this experience through an Instagram post.
Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career, stating:
"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." – Lewis Hamilton
The move to Ferrari comes nearly a year after Hamilton announced his shocking departure from Mercedes, where he clinched six of his seven world titles. His transition is well-timed as all ten teams prepare for preseason testing scheduled from February 26-28 in Bahrain. This testing will be Hamilton's first opportunity to conduct extensive mileage in the car he will race for Ferrari this year.
Formula 1 regulations restrict drivers to testing only in cars that are two years or older outside of official preseason and Pirelli tire tests. Consequently, Hamilton's first taste of the 2025 Ferrari car is anticipated at its launch on February 19 at Fiorano, Ferrari's own test track located within the factory walls.
Team principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton's ability to adapt swiftly to the new environment and procedures:
"For sure we know that we will have a lot of procedures to assimilate during these couple of days, but I think he is experienced enough to do it, that we'll have the advantage to have the simulator." – Fred Vasseur
Hamilton is not unfamiliar with challenges, having 356 Grand Prix starts under his belt. Vasseur further added:
"Obviously he will be able to do a race simulation, qualy simulation into the simulator, and to be fully prepared with the steering wheel and the particularities of the race. But honestly, I'm not worried about this. It's not the biggest challenge." – Fred Vasseur
Leave a Reply