Ferrari has released a video capturing Lewis Hamilton’s first official visit to the team’s headquarters in Maranello, marking the start of a new chapter in the seven-time world champion’s illustrious career.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes, where he had been racing since 2013, shocked the Formula One world. Mercedes originally contracted the British driver to race until 2025, but an exit clause allowed him to leave early. After announcing his departure in February, Hamilton chose to pursue a new challenge with Ferrari, ending a 12-year partnership with the Brackley-based team, where he won six of his seven drivers’ titles.
Hamilton, who shares the record for the most world championships in F1 history with Michael Schumacher, now embarks on a fresh journey with Ferrari. His first visit to Maranello was a significant moment in his career, one he had long dreamed of. The 105-time race winner expressed his excitement, saying, “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever, and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days.”
Reflecting on his new journey, Hamilton continued, “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. 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.”
Ahead of his testing debut with a two-year-old Ferrari at Fiorano later this week, Hamilton shared his gratitude for the opportunity, thanking Ferrari’s leadership, including John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, and team principal Fred Vasseur. He added, “I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people, who have been so welcoming. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organization, and the fans.”
As Hamilton begins this new chapter with Ferrari, the F1 world eagerly anticipates his performance with the iconic Italian team.
