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Hamilton’s Ferrari Journey Begins: Key Preparations Underway for 2025 F1 Season

Lewis Hamilton has officially embarked on his new chapter with Ferrari, making his first visit to the team’s headquarters in Maranello as part of crucial preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The seven-time world champion, who spent 12 years with Mercedes, is set to debut in Ferrari’s colors after signing with the team on February 1, 2024. He replaces Carlos Sainz Jr., who later secured a long-term deal with Williams to take over Franco Colapinto’s seat.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a historic shift in the sport, breaking his long-standing association with Mercedes and forming a powerful driver lineup alongside Charles Leclerc. With Ferrari last winning a championship in 2008, the addition of Hamilton is seen as a key factor in their bid to reclaim the title.

On January 20, 2025, Hamilton arrived in Maranello to an enthusiastic welcome from the Tifosi. His first appearance in the Ferrari red race suit, paired with a yellow helmet reminiscent of his karting days, quickly made waves on social media, symbolizing the dawn of a new era.

Hamilton wasted no time getting to work, taking his first laps at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in the SF-23. Despite adverse weather conditions cutting the session short, he described the experience as a special moment and expressed optimism about Ferrari’s prospects for the season.

In preparation for the first race in Australia on March 16, Hamilton and Leclerc participated in a rigorous three-day simulation session at Maranello. The focus was on refining the SF-25’s mechanical setup, particularly its rear-end stability, to ensure the car is competitive from the outset. Ferrari’s commitment to addressing technical challenges was evident in this detailed preparation process.

The SF-25 was officially unveiled in London on February 18, 2025, followed by a test run at Fiorano the next day. Both drivers provided positive initial feedback, noting improvements in handling and overall performance. However, Ferrari’s preparations encountered a hurdle when Red Bull raised concerns with the FIA regarding the flexibility of the car’s rear wing. This prompted an official investigation, with inspections scheduled at Maranello. In response, the FIA announced stricter regulations on wing flexibility for the season opener in Melbourne. Ferrari has dismissed the claims, maintaining confidence that the issue will not disrupt their campaign.

Amid the technical discussions, Hamilton and Leclerc took time to connect with fans at a special event in Milan’s Piazza Castello. The duo thrilled approximately 35,000 spectators with dynamic driving displays, including tire burnouts and synchronized maneuvers in Ferrari’s SF21 and SF90 models. Hamilton expressed gratitude for the passionate support of the Tifosi and reiterated his desire to learn Italian, further emphasizing his dedication to fully embracing Ferrari’s culture.

During Ferrari’s official driver presentation, Hamilton shared some lighthearted stories about his past superstitions. He recalled losing a lucky conker before a race and experiencing a wardrobe mishap with his so-called lucky boxer shorts, leading him to abandon those rituals. However, he still follows certain habits, such as always entering the car from the left and securing the left strap of his harness first—practices he attributes more to comfort than superstition.

As the 2025 season draws near, the partnership between Hamilton and Leclerc is set to be a key storyline. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has high expectations, believing that their internal competition will drive the team to greater heights. With two top-tier drivers pushing each other, Ferrari aims to capitalize on this synergy to challenge for victories.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is more than just a driver switch; it represents a fusion of his illustrious career with Ferrari’s legendary heritage. His vast experience will be instrumental in refining the SF-25 into a title-contending machine. The upcoming season will not only test Ferrari’s technical abilities but also the dynamics between two ambitious teammates striving for the same goal.

With anticipation building for the Australian Grand Prix, the motorsport world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Ferrari’s true performance. The combination of Hamilton’s expertise, Leclerc’s determination, and Ferrari’s strategic efforts promises an exciting battle for the championship. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this new chapter in Ferrari’s history plays out.