Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, officially began his journey with Ferrari, marking a historic day for motorsport fans worldwide. On Monday, Hamilton, now 40, posed outside Ferrari's iconic Maranello headquarters, standing alongside a Ferrari F40 supercar.
This moment, eagerly awaited since Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari in February last year, quickly went viral. The British driver commemorated the occasion with a heartfelt social media post, pairing it with the already iconic image.
Hamilton’s Emotional Message to Fans
Taking to Instagram, Hamilton shared his excitement about joining the legendary team. He wrote:
"There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days. I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today. Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together."
Fans Spot Hidden Detail: A Message to Verstappen?
The image sparked intense online discussions, with fans convinced that Ferrari had hidden a subtle message in the photograph. A Reddit user pointed out that Hamilton was positioned in front of seven open windows, with a door to the eighth visible in the frame.
This detail, fans believe, is a reference to Hamilton’s seven world championships and his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth title, a feat that would surpass Michael Schumacher’s record.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) commented:
"Lewis Hamilton's first photo with Ferrari has 7 windows and a door to the 8th. I've never seen a picture with more aura."
The speculation ties back to the dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen denied Hamilton his eighth title in a controversial final-lap showdown.
This also means Hamilton is coming for his 8th Title
Ferrari’s History of Hidden Easter Eggs
This isn’t the first time Ferrari has included hidden messages in their content. Just last week, the team posted a black-and-white image from their factory with the caption, "Look harder."
Eagle-eyed fans deciphered the image, spotting 16 tires and 44 windows—an apparent nod to the driver numbers of Charles Leclerc (16) and Lewis Hamilton (44). The numbers 16 and 44 were also subtly embedded within the image, showcasing Ferrari’s penchant for creative storytelling.
Hamilton Expresses Gratitude to Ferrari Leadership
In an additional statement on Ferrari’s official website, Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join the Scuderia. He said:
"I’m incredibly grateful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, Fred Vasseur and everyone at Ferrari for their trust in me and making me part of this family.
"I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organisation and the fans."
A New Era for Hamilton and Ferrari
As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter, fans eagerly anticipate the potential for greatness in the iconic red of Ferrari. With the team’s history of innovation and Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of success, the stage is set for a thrilling season ahead.