After a distinguished 12-year tenure with Mercedes, where he secured seven World Championships and 105 Grand Prix wins, Hamilton has switched teams for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The British racing star is now signed with Ferrari, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career.
This move is already dominating headlines, with the key question being whether Hamilton will achieve a record-breaking eighth World Title in F1 2025. If he does, it would break the record set by Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher, who won seven World Titles with the team.
Before aiming for that eighth title, Hamilton's first task is his debut in a Ferrari Formula 1 car, set to take place in February. Ferrari has yet to confirm the exact date due to potential weather conditions.
The Buzz Around Hamilton’s Ferrari Test
Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero believes the streets of Maranello will be flooded with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Hamilton during his first Ferrari test.
“Hamilton mania has already started in Italy,” Chinchero said on the James Allen on F1 podcast. He added that, since the New Year, Italian Ferrari fans have been eagerly awaiting Hamilton’s first test. “I cannot imagine the number of people that will be around the track. I’m expecting the streets of Maranello and Fiorano to be filled with people. It will be hard work for the police in Maranello.”
Chinchero also noted the overwhelming media coverage Hamilton is receiving in Italy, with not just sports outlets but mainstream national media highlighting his career, passion, and his dream of ending his F1 journey with Ferrari.
A Historic Moment for Italy and Ferrari
Chinchero isn't the only one anticipating a major reaction to Hamilton’s arrival. Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi has predicted that Italy will come to a standstill on March 16, when Hamilton competes in his first official race for Ferrari.
"Ferrari’s coming back strong," Fittipaldi said on talkSPORT’s On Track podcast. “You can imagine Lewis at Ferrari. The whole of Italy is going to stop on Sunday to watch Lewis drive a Ferrari!”
Fittipaldi further emphasized the significance of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, stating, “Every driver has a dream to drive for Ferrari. For Lewis, at this stage in his career, it’s a huge challenge to join the team, especially with Frederic Vasseur, who was his team principal in Formula 3 and Formula 2. The family’s getting back together again, and that’s going to be a big challenge.”
Hamilton's Testing Schedule
Hamilton's first test will likely take place in the F1-75 or SF-23, with the exact date depending on weather conditions. Following this "wake-up" test, he will have another opportunity to drive at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain later in January. Ferrari has reserved a four-day window at the Barcelona circuit, which will allow for two crucial days of testing.
Finally, Hamilton will officially represent Ferrari in pre-season testing in Bahrain next month, where he will further familiarize himself with the team and car ahead of the 2025 season.
As fans eagerly await his first outing in red, all eyes will be on Maranello as Lewis Hamilton embarks on a new chapter in his remarkable Formula 1 career.