Lewis Hamilton took time to engage with the Tifosi on his first day as a Ferrari driver on Monday, as ‘Hamilton mania’ swept through the streets of Maranello. The seven-time World Champion made his first public appearance since joining Ferrari for the F1 2025 season, visiting the team’s headquarters in Maranello and the Fiorano test track.
Warm Welcome at Maranello
A group of devoted fans spotted a suited-up Hamilton arriving at Maranello on Monday morning, marking the beginning of his preparations for the upcoming season. Hamilton met with key Ferrari figures, including team principal Fred Vasseur, chief executive Benedetto Vigna, and Piero Ferrari, the only living son of the legendary team founder Enzo Ferrari.
Hamilton also posed for photos outside Enzo Ferrari’s historic office alongside a Ferrari F40, which he has previously identified as his favorite supercar.
Fan Frenzy: Hamilton Mania Takes Over Maranello
An Italian F1 journalist predicted last week that Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari would create challenges for local police, and the scenes in Maranello confirmed this. Videos posted on social media captured Hamilton taking time to interact with the Tifosi, Ferrari’s passionate fanbase. In one clip, Hamilton was seen addressing the crowd using Italian phrases, while another showed him signing autographs for an eager group of fans.
Hamilton was accompanied by Ferrari president John Elkann, who is credited with playing a key role in convincing the British driver to leave Mercedes after nearly a decade of success.
First Test at Fiorano and Upcoming Events
Fan excitement is expected to peak later this week when Hamilton takes to the Fiorano test track for his first drive in a Ferrari F1 car. He is scheduled to drive the F1-75 car from 2022 on Wednesday before a second test session in Barcelona next week.
Ferrari’s F1 2025 car, codenamed Project 677, will officially launch on February 19, just one day after F1’s first-ever collective season-launch event in London, featuring all 10 teams.
Hamilton’s Statement on Joining Ferrari
Following his first day with Ferrari, Hamilton described the experience as a “dream come true.” He expressed his gratitude and excitement in a heartfelt statement:
“There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever, and today, my first as a Scuderia Ferrari HP 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 realize that dream today.
“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 organization, and the fans.
“Today we start a new chapter in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”
A New Chapter for Hamilton and Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the beginning of an exciting era for both the driver and the team. With a loyal fanbase and a rich legacy, expectations are high as Hamilton begins his journey in red. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what this partnership will achieve in the upcoming F1 season.