Aside from the hoard of rookies joining the grid this year, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is the most anticipated event in the run up to the 2025 season. After the move was confirmed before the beginning of the 2024 season, fans have been excitedly waiting to witness this partnership for over a year. Let’s take a look at the current discourse surrounding this move.
First Day On The Job
Meeting with Team Principle, Fred Vasseur, and Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna, Hamilton was finally welcomed into the Ferrari team at their base in Italy. On 20th January, he took the typical ‘first day’ pictures, including ones with the iconic Ferrari House, which he then posted on his social media channels.
At 40 years old, Hamilton seems ready to begin his debut season at Ferrari, which he has said repeatedly was a dream of his. After meeting the Team Principle and CEO, he went on to meet other top Ferrari employees a couple of days later, mostly back at the Ferrari Head Quarters following his time at the Ferrari track.
Track Test at Fiorano
Following his official arrival at the Ferrari Head Quarters in Maranello, Italy, Hamilton participated in a track test at Ferrari’s circuit at Fiorano. He completed this test, on 22nd January, alongside his new teammate Charles Leclerc.
The occasion was marked by thick fog, although the track seemed mostly dry. This was a good improvement from the weather of the days leading up to the test, which were plagued with muchh rain. Many eager fans flocked to the test track, hoping to catch a glimpse of the drivers, especially of Hamilton in his first outing in red. Ferrari noted that Michael Schumacher had also experienced a foggy track on the day of his first Ferrari test. Does this coincidence indicate great success to come?
Hamilton managed to complete 30 laps of the track, including flying laps and practice starts. This is more than teammate Leclerc was able to do, with his after lunch session being subject to rain, making it harder to complete an equal tally.
What is Next for Hamilton and Ferrari?
This only marks the beginning of the partnership. By this time, this seems long awaited, but there is still a while before we see Hamilton in a Ferrari at official testing (in late February) and then at the first race (the Australian Grand Prix in March). Both sides of the partnership seem delighted to be in it. Only time will tell if it will be a successful period for both parties.
Written by Alexandra.
Featured Image Credit: mirror.co.uk
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