Lewis Hamilton has inherited a new property to live in while he’s in Italy after getting to work at Ferrari on Monday.
The seven-time world champion’s assimilation into the Scuderia has commenced following his decision to leave Mercedes and commit his future to the famous racing team in January last year.
Hamilton made his first appearance at the Ferrari factory in Maranello on Monday to start preparations for the 2025 season.
He will attempt to clinch Ferrari’s first F1 Constructors’ title since 2008 alongside Charles Leclerc, having replaced Carlos Sainz, who has joined Williams.
The 40-year-old accompanied his arrival with an Instagram post, writing:
“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.
“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 organisation 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.”
According to the BBC, Hamilton will be given a place to call home whenever he is in Italy.
Ferrari announced that Hamilton started his first day with the team by visiting the Fiorano test track and meeting team principal Fred Vasseur and CEO Benedetto Vigna at a square named after Michael Schumacher.
It was there where his memorable first-day photos were shot. The presence of a Ferrari F40, Hamilton’s favourite supercar, was a classy touch.
The British icon later took a trip to the Fiorano house and pit garage alongside Vasseur and Vigna, including Enzo Ferrari’s old office.
Back at the Scuderia’s HQ, Hamilton met more of the management team and Piero Ferrari and visited different departments.
Ferrari have confirmed that he will continue to settle in on Tuesday with more technical meetings and briefings ahead of a huge year of racing.
Hamilton is expected to get in one of Ferrari’s 2023 F1 cars on the Fiorani track this week and in Barcelona ahead of the 2025 launch on February 19.
The 2023 edition is the latest he is permitted to drive, but he is likely to test out the 2025 car in the team’s simulator.
