Probably the most profitable driver in historical past along with probably the most profitable staff, Lewis Hamilton and Scuderia Ferrari, a mixture that guarantees to be explosive for the upcoming season proper across the nook. A picture that, till a 12 months in the past, appeared unthinkable is now a actuality. The seven-time Method 1 world champion crossed the gates of Maranello for the primary time on January 20, formally starting his journey in purple. From the early hours of the morning, a gaggle of followers gathered outdoors the Ferrari Racing Division, desperate to welcome the brand new flagbearer of the staff. In a video launched on their social channels, the Italian aspect tells the story of the primary days of the English driver in Ferrari apparel, displaying the primary interactions with a very new setting.
The primary day at Maranello
The primary day in purple formally started at round 10:05 AM, captured by the cameras of some followers who had been there from the very early hours of the morning. Lewis Hamilton was greeted on the the Ferrari Racing Division by Crew Principal Frederic Vasseur, chief government officer Benedetto Vigna, and President John Elkann. As seen within the video launched by Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton initially toured the varied departments and places of work, with handshakes exchanged with the employees. Additionally welcoming him have been Sporting Director Diego Ioverno and Head of Technique Ravin Jain. “I’ve been ready for this present day ceaselessly. I’m very completely happy to satisfy all of the employees. I can’t wait to get began,” mentioned the seven-time world champion. Later within the day, Lewis visited the division of historic highway vehicles from the Prancing Horse. The Brit selected the F40, his favourite supercar, to pose for a photograph that was later printed on the staff’s social media. A photograph that, by the best way, broke the file for probably the most likes on a Method 1-related picture. Lastly, the British champion additionally paid tribute to the home and places of work of ‘Il Drake’ Enzo Ferrari, finishing a real “full immersion” into the historical past of the Maranello staff. To finish the day, the seven-time world champion additionally took selfies and signed autographs for the followers current on the exit of the headquarters.
The day of the primary technical briefings
On Tuesday, the primary actual day of technical exercise passed off. Lewis Hamilton carried out a number of simulator periods to familiarize himself with the brand new mechanical methods, notably the Energy Unit, gearbox, and braking system, that are considerably completely different from these of Mercedes. The primary technical briefings with the engineers have been additionally held, and in preparation for Wednesday, the “seat match” with the SF-23 was accomplished underneath the supervision of his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Notably, the Briton will take teammate Charles Leclerc’s steering wheel as a reference level, making small changes primarily based on his preferences. Moreover, vital modifications to the pedal meeting have been requested from the engineers, as reported by the Italian web site autoracer.it. Through the day, there have been additionally advertising and marketing actions and a photoshoot that includes Lewis Hamilton within the purple racing go well with and his new helmet in Modena yellow, which might make its on-track debut the next day.
Like the remainder of the week, Wednesday began underneath a thick fog. January 22, 2025, is a historic day: Lewis Hamilton’s first on-track take a look at in a Ferrari. All the things was set on the SF-23, finalized within the final hours of Tuesday, for the TPC (Check Earlier Automobiles) session at Ferrari’s house circuit in Fiorano. Within the storage, alongside Charles Leclerc and Frederic Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton’s dad and mom have been additionally current, whereas from a technical perspective, Matteo Togninalli, head of monitor efficiency, and newly appointed deputy staff principal Jerome D’Ambrosio have been overseeing operations. At 9:16 AM, Lewis Hamilton exited the storage for the primary time for the customary set up lap, instantly returning to supply preliminary technical suggestions to the engineers. Shortly after, he went again out on monitor for a extra prolonged run of about thirty laps on slick tires. Hamilton then shared his feelings: “It was a dream to come back right here and expertise this for the primary time. It’s superb to have my dad and mom right here with me. I really feel prefer it’s my first day at work or faculty.” After finishing this system round lunchtime, the seven-time world champion was met by an enthusiastic crowd. A stage of pleasure not seen in practically thirty years, for the reason that days of Michael Schumacher. “Lewis, Lewis, Lewis!” chanted the Ferrari followers, to whom he couldn’t assist however wave in response.