After almost 20 years in the sport, Lewis Hamilton has declared himself "invigorated" as he heads into his first-ever Ferrari campaign, bringing it into yet another chapter in Formula 1's illustrious narrative. On Tuesday, the seven-time world champion made his first public appearance for the Scuderia as part of the F1 75 Live event, staged in front of an enormous audience at the London O2 Arena. He shared the stage with teammate Charles Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur for the launch of Ferrari's SF-25 2025 car.
New Beginnings for Hamilton
Among deafening shouts from the crowd, Hamilton responded: "How are you, London? You good? Good evening everyone. Such a great night to be here amongst all of you."
Asked what one word would turn his mind around as he approached the season, Hamilton replied: "I think the word I'm thinking of is invigorated because I feel so full of life with so much energy, because everything's new. Just focused on what's up ahead. I'm so proud to be a part of the team- something new and exciting for me. Thank you for all being here."
Change from Mercedes to Ferrari
Coming after an astonishing 12 years spent at Mercedes, during which Hamilton won six of his seven world titles-these are truly great years. Rumor has it that Hamilton had conducted a private test for Ferrari in Barcelona about one month ago, after which he crashed the car, but that day stood for his first public appearance with the team since he shocked the F1 world by announcing he would be leaving Mercedes in 2023.
The British driver clad in Ferrari red thus made a pretty glance, one quite similar to that of a divorced partner in possession of a new love, as he engaged in a warm hug with Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, just before the event.
F1 75 Live: An Epoch-Making Celebration
The event was organized to commemorate 75 years since the foundation of Formula 1 for participation from all ten teams, twenty drivers, and team principals. The event was the most comprehensive ever representation of all teams congregating to unveil their colors for the new season.
By and large, Hamilton and Ferrari will have their inaugural season launch on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Italian team in Maranello. Here, Hamilton will probably get to share more of his thoughts regarding the switch and expectations from the season ahead.
Towards the 2025 Season
Preseason testing is set to be held from February 26-28, and the championship will get under way with the Australian Grand Prix from March 14-16. In addition to the furore in Hamilton's going to Ferrari, this also marks another chapter in the history of watching fans adapt to seeing an icon at new venues.
Most of these would rush in upon Hamilton as he even made for a very interesting new dawn with his expectation and excitement for another chapter in Ferrari's red history.