Hamilton’s day off: A Ferrari, a joyride, and a Hollywood twist!

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If anyone thought Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari was going to be a quiet affair, they clearly forgot who they were dealing with.

Instead of tiptoeing into the 2025 F1 season with the House of Maranello, Hamilton has decided to swerve in sideways, tyres smoking, with an Instagram reel that’s equal parts Hollywood magic and pure Hamilton flair.

Picture this: The unmistakable growl of a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder reverberates through a sleek parking garage, with Ferris Bueller at the wheel, accompanied by his girlfriend Sloane and best friend, Cameron.

The car is pristine, the stuff of automotive dreams — and then, sliding into the driver’s seat is none other than Lewis Hamilton himself, digitally shoehorned into the scene as the garage attendant who “takes care” of Cameron Frye’s father’s prized possession by joyriding it through Chicago like it’s nobody’s business.

And because Hamilton doesn’t do anything by halves, he brought in Oscar nominee Edward Norton as his accomplice.

Read also: Vettel unpacks ‘biggest shift’ facing Hamilton at Ferrari

It turns out, this crafty little cinematic adventure isn’t just for laughs. It’s Hamilton’s way of paying homage to two of his great loves: Ferrari and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

The Briton has been open about his love for the film since childhood, and the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder has long been his “dream retirement car” as he called in a recent interview with Time Magazine.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has been one of my favourite movies since I was a kid,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram. “This is to pay homage to the iconic film and to celebrate my first season with Ferrari.

(YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR4uDqRzRUM)

Produced by Dawn Apollo Films and Large Eyes, the reel’s flawless camera-matching and high-tech editing almost make you forget that it wasn’t Hamilton and Norton in the original movie. It’s both absurd and brilliant.

“It definitely took a lot of cutting edge tech, production and planning to get right,” added the seven-time world champion.

“Had to get the exact car too … it’s been a dream car since seeing the movie. Shout out to the legendary @edwardnortonofficial for coming along for the ride. This is the energy and excitement I’m bringing to the track this year. ANDIAMO !!”

The reel is more than just a clever tribute, though. It’s a statement — an introduction of Hamilton’s spirit as he joins Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season. Andiamo, indeed!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.