F1 update: Lewis Hamilton Set To Take Key Sponsors Away From Mercedes To Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton Set To Take Key Sponsors Away From Mercedes To Ferrari
In a move that has captured the attention of Formula 1 fans and industry insiders alike, Ferrari is set to officially welcome Lewis Hamilton in late January 2025, marking the beginning of his highly anticipated transition from Mercedes to the Scuderia team. Hamilton’s switch, which was announced in February, sent shockwaves through the F1 driver market, prompting a flurry of speculation and interest. The seven-time world champion, who has spent more than a decade with Mercedes, is embarking on a new chapter with Ferrari, driven by the aspiration of securing an eighth world title and etching his name further into the sport’s history as its most successful driver.
As part of his move, Hamilton will bring along several key sponsors that have supported him during his time with Mercedes. Three of these sponsors have already been confirmed to follow Hamilton to Ferrari, ensuring a smooth continuation of their partnerships as the British driver embarks on this new journey. The identity of these sponsors includes high-profile brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Monster Energy Drinks. These companies have long been associated with Hamilton and are expected to remain on board as he joins Ferrari’s iconic red team for the 2025 season. Additionally, Hamilton’s personal brand will continue to grow with the potential for further collaborations, including his own non-alcoholic beverage brand, Almave, which is backed by Pernod Ricard, one of the largest wine and spirits companies globally.
Hamilton’s signing with Ferrari is a momentous event in Formula 1, particularly given his illustrious history with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world championships. His departure from the team will not only see the exit of a legendary driver but also the loss of some significant commercial backing for Mercedes, as these sponsors follow Hamilton to his new home. The sponsorship deal is a reflection of Hamilton’s immense marketability and the long-standing relationships he has cultivated over the years.
Ferrari’s plan for Hamilton’s onboarding is well underway, with the driver scheduled to arrive at the team’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy, in late January 2025. This marks the first step in his integration with Ferrari, where he will familiarize himself with the team, meet key personnel, and begin his preparations for the upcoming season. Ferrari has reportedly planned to document Hamilton’s first day at the factory, showcasing his interactions with various departments and his initial moments within the iconic Scuderia environment. However, it is expected that Hamilton will remain focused on learning about the team and the car, meaning public statements may not be made during this first visit.
Hamilton’s first track outing with Ferrari will take place at the team’s private Fiorano circuit, where he will likely drive one of the Scuderia’s more recent cars. The most probable candidates for his initial test are either the F1-75 from the 2022 season or the SF-23 from 2023, as both cars are allowed for testing under current F1 regulations. The specific car will be chosen based on the training program designed for Hamilton, who will be undergoing a process of acclimatization to Ferrari’s unique engineering and driving style.
Despite Hamilton’s vast experience in Formula 1, which spans over 17 years, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has expressed confidence that the British driver will require minimal time to adapt to the Ferrari car. Vasseur noted that as a seasoned veteran with extensive knowledge of top-tier motorsport, Hamilton’s transition would be relatively smooth. In fact, Vasseur suggested that Hamilton’s experience would allow him to get up to speed quickly without the need for excessive acclimatization time.
While Hamilton’s first official pre-season test will occur closer to the start of the 2025 season, his time in the Ferrari car during the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session will give him valuable insight and practice before the formal F1 campaign kicks off. The upcoming transition for Hamilton is not just about adjusting to new machinery but also about embedding himself within Ferrari’s culture and making sure that he and the team are in sync for the challenges ahead.
As the countdown to his debut with Ferrari begins, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can add another world title to his name with the legendary Italian team, and whether his move to Ferrari will prove to be the defining chapter in his remarkable career.
About The Author
