Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver posts photo on first day with Italian team and says he ‘couldn’t be happier’ ahead of 2025 F1 season

Lewis Hamilton said he “couldn’t be happier” to have realised his dream of becoming a Ferrari driver as he officially began work with the Italian team on Monday.

Hamilton marked his first day at the famous Prancing Horse’s Maranello factory with a social media post expressing his delight at achieving a career-long “dream”.

The seven-time world champion stunned the sporting world last February by deciding to leave Mercedes after 12 years to sign for Ferrari for the 2025 season in the sport’s highest-profile transfer of all time.

Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “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.”

Hamilton is set to drive a Ferrari F1 car for the first time later this week, with the Brit expected to get some testing time in their 2023 car around at the Fiorano circuit, which is adjacent to the team’s factory.

The blockbuster Hamilton-Ferrari move has united F1’s most-successful driver in history with the most-successful team.

Hamilton, who turned 40 earlier this month, has won a record 105 races and a joint-best seven world championships, while Ferrari lead the way on the all-time tables for both drivers’ (15) and constructors’ title (16) triumphs.

But the Scuderia have not won any title since 2008, although a strong end to last season saw them finish within 14 points of new constructors’ champions McLaren in second place.

Ferrari have opted against unveiling Hamilton with an official press conference, instead waiting until F1’s official 2025 season launch on February 18, which will be followed by the team’s own media event a day later.

Hamilton set for ‘total immersion programme’

Shortly after Hamilton’s post on social media, Ferrari provided more detail on how the Brit had spent his first day in Maranello.

A team statement said: “Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari adventure is now under way. Early this morning, the seven-time world champion arrived at the team’s Maranello headquarters at via Enzo Ferrari 27.

“From there he went to the Fiorano track where, against the backdrop of Enzo Ferrari’s house, in the small square now named after the only other seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher, he was met by team principal, Fred Vasseur and Ferrari chief executive, Benedetto Vigna.

“The traditional “first day” photos were taken there and even the weather helped to make Lewis feel at home, with some typically British overcast skies and drizzle. Also on hand was a Ferrari F40, Lewis’ favourite supercar.

“Next on Lewis’ agenda was a short visit to the Fiorano house and the pit garage, with Vasseur and Vigna, including a look at the famous office, from where Enzo Ferrari would watch his team at work. Hamilton then returned to the Scuderia HQ, where he met the management team and Piero Ferrari, before embarking on a daylong total immersion programme, visiting all the various departments to get to know the team.

“The work continues tomorrow with more technical meetings and briefings as preparations get under way for what will be a very busy season.”

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