7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton debuts at Ferrari
The massively iconic and successful seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, has turned a new page in his illustrious career by joining Scuderia Ferrari, arguably the most iconic and statistically most successful team in motorsport history. After spending over a decade with Mercedes, Hamilton donned the famed Rosso Ferrari overalls and took his first laps in a Ferrari F1 car at the team's Fiorano test track.
Hamilton’s introduction to Ferrari was as grand as the team’s legacy. Earlier in the week, he visited Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari’s famous mansion and posed in front of it, alongside a pristine Rosso Corsa F40. The Brit also met key figures, including team principal Fred Vasseur, CEO Benedetto Vigna, and Enzo’s son Piero Ferrari.
Hamilton described the moment as unforgettable, stating, "There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever, and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days."
After getting a custom seat fitting and familiarizing himself with Ferrari’s simulator, Hamilton finally stepped onto the Fiorano track on a foggy Wednesday morning. His debut run was in the SF-23, Ferrari’s 2023 Formula 1 car that had previously been piloted by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Although the car didn’t bring Ferrari championship glory, it gave Hamilton his first taste of a Ferrari race engine—a stark contrast to the Mercedes power units that have powered him for the majority of his career.
Clad in Ferrari red with a bright yellow helmet, Hamilton began his day on Pirelli’s wet demonstration tires, conducting systems checks and building rapport with his new machine. As the weather improved briefly, he switched to slick tires and completed multiple 10-lap stints, clocking around 30 laps in total. His performance drew crowds of Tifosi, who withstood the elements to witness their new hero in action.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. He expressed his excitement on Instagram, writing, “Part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realize that dream today.”
This transition also brings new partnerships. Hamilton will work with Riccardo Adami as his race engineer, replacing his long-time collaborator Peter Bonnington, who remains at Mercedes. However, a familiar face has returned to his corner—his former physio Angela Cullen, who has joined Hamilton’s Project 44 company after a brief hiatus.
Ferrari fans and the entire paddock alike are eager to see what Hamilton can achieve in red. With his unquestionable skill and the prestige of Ferrari behind him, the 2025 season promises to be one for the history books.
As Ferrari and Hamilton gear up for the season ahead, all eyes are on Maranello. Can Hamilton bring Ferrari back to championship-winning glory? Can Ferrari bring Hamilton to championship-winning glory? Only time will tell.
