The journey begins: Hamilton reports for duty at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton's long-awaited Ferrari era began on Monday morning in Maranello, marking the start of a historic partnership between the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and the sport’s most iconic team.

After nearly two decades with Mercedes power, Hamilton is stepping into uncharted territory, embarking on a journey that promises both challenges and immense possibilities.

The British superstar’s first week with the Scuderia is set to be pivotal, laying the foundation for what he and Ferrari hope will be a title-winning campaign.

Hamilton reported for duty at 10 am local time in Maranello and is expected to spend the initial days meeting his engineers and crews, and undergoing a seat fitting.

Simulator work will also play a crucial role in helping him acclimatize to the intricacies of Ferrari’s machinery.

First Taste of Ferrari Power

Hamilton is expected to enjoy his first laps in red at Fiorano on Wednesday, weather permitting. It’s likely the Briton will be at the wheel of the Italian outfit’s SF-23, the most recent car permitted under F1’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.

Nonetheless, these laps will be invaluable for Hamilton. Adjusting to Ferrari’s seating position, brake feel, and steering wheel configuration is critical as he transitions from years of familiarity with Mercedes machinery.

Furthermore, the outing will give Hamilton his first experience with Ferrari’s hybrid power unit, which operates differently from the Mercedes systems he has mastered.

Known for its responsiveness in rapid direction changes and sharp acceleration, Ferrari’s engine package could provide Hamilton with a fresh perspective on how to extract performance.

Building Bonds in Maranello

Equally important to his on-track work is Hamilton’s integration with Ferrari’s engineering team. Key to this transition is Riccardo Adami, Hamilton’s new race engineer, who previously worked with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.

Establishing a strong rapport with Adami and the broader team will be essential for Hamilton to feel at home within an organization that is culturally and operationally different from what he has experienced up to now in his F1 career.

Time spent in the garage and simulator will also help Hamilton forge bonds with his mechanics and engineers.

This chemistry will be crucial for maximizing performance, particularly as the limited track time during the pre-season leaves little room for adaptation.

A Packed Schedule Leading to the Season Opener

Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari is not limited to Fiorano. Later this month, he is expected to conduct further testing in Barcelona, a venue that offers more varied and challenging conditions.

Beyond the track, Hamilton will make appearances at key Ferrari events, including the sport’s F175 launch at London’s O2 Arena on February 18.

A day later, he and teammate Charles Leclerc will unveil the 2025 Ferrari in Maranello, likely marking their first laps in the team’s latest contender.

With just three days of official pre-season testing in Bahrain, which must be split between both drivers, Hamilton’s preparation will be more compressed than in recent years.

Adding to the challenge, the Bahrain test will not roll directly into the season opener, as the first race takes place in Australia. This schedule amplifies the importance of every lap Hamilton completes in the coming weeks.

The Path Ahead

Ferrari and Hamilton are fully aware that the Briton will not be completely at ease with his new surroundings by the time the lights go out in Melbourne.

However, both parties are committed to accelerating the learning curve through rigorous preparation and teamwork.

This week marks the beginning of a journey laden with expectations and potential.

For Hamilton, it is the chance to cement his legacy by bringing championship glory back to Maranello.

For Ferrari, it is a statement of intent, pairing one of the greatest drivers in history with their storied red machines.

As Hamilton rolls out of the garage for the first time at Fiorano, the weight of history and the promise of the future converge. The journey has just begun, but the passion and ambition driving it are unmistakable.

Shortly after his arrival in Maranello on Monday morning, Hamilton - looking quite dapper posing in front of Enzo Ferrari's house - published an emotional message on Instagram in which he offered a few words to his fans ahead of his first day of work with his new employer.

"There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days," he wrote.

"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."

Forza!

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