Ferrari has unveiled a meticulous plan for its first on-track collaboration with seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, marking a historic chapter in motorsport as the British icon begins his journey with the legendary Scuderia.
Hamilton’s schedule at Maranello
According to Italian outlet Auto Racer, Hamilton will arrive in Maranello on Monday, January 20, to meet his Ferrari engineers and begin acclimating to the team. This includes simulator sessions to familiarize himself with Ferrari’s systems and establish a rapport with race engineer Riccardo Adami, who previously worked with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.
The highly anticipated moment will come on Wednesday, January 22, when Hamilton will take to the Fiorano circuit behind the wheel of Ferrari’s 2022 F1-75. This will be part of a three-day Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, shared with teammate Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari has also scheduled a four-day test at the Barcelona circuit later this month, during which Hamilton will utilize the maximum 1000km of TPC mileage allowed for an existing driver, ensuring he’s fully prepared for the 2025 season.
“Hamilton Mania” sweeps Italy
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has ignited a wave of enthusiasm in Italy, with fans and media already dubbing the phenomenon “Hamilton Mania.”
Roberto Chinchero, an Italian F1 journalist, predicts an unprecedented turnout at Fiorano:
“I cannot imagine the number of people that will be around the track. The Maranello and Fiorano streets will be filled with people. I’m expecting something we haven’t seen in years.”
Chinchero noted that even non-sports media outlets in Italy have dedicated coverage to Hamilton’s arrival, emphasizing his career achievements, cultural impact, and his desire to close out his F1 journey with Ferrari.
Fittipaldi predicts Italian fervor
Two-time F1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi expects Hamilton’s races in a Ferrari to become national events in Italy, rivaling even the most significant cultural moments in the country.
“The whole of Italy is going to stop on Sunday to watch Lewis drive a Ferrari,” Fittipaldi said on talkSPORT’s On Track podcast.
What Hamilton’s arrival means for Ferrari
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has already bolstered the team’s image globally, but his collaboration with Leclerc is set to create an electrifying dynamic on and off the track. While there will be no special treatment for Hamilton during testing, the team and fans alike are eager to see how his unparalleled experience and adaptability will shape Ferrari’s performance in the 2025 season.
Hamilton himself has expressed excitement about this chapter, calling it a “dream come true” to represent the Scuderia. With Ferrari’s recent performance improvements, the union between Hamilton and Ferrari has all the ingredients to bring an end to the team’s long championship drought.
A new era begins
The sight of Hamilton in Ferrari red will be a defining image of the 2025 season. Whether it’s his first test laps at Fiorano or his debut race weekend, all eyes will be on how this unprecedented partnership unfolds.
