When Lewis Hamilton decided in February of 2024 to announce his transition from Mercedes to Ferrari, it was news that would change the shape of Formula One forever. One year later, the 7x World Drivers’ Championship winner has finally began his career with the Italian outfit, marking the momentous occasion with a photo outside of Ferrari-founder, Enzo Ferrari’s house. In a photo that has amounted over 5.2 million likes on Instagram, the world has been watching with anticipation ahead of the 2025 season.

Taking to Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, Hamilton completed 30 laps in the SF-23 as part of his transitioning work with the team. Due to testing restrictions, the car is the most recent model he is allowed to drive in. Being the only other car to win a race during a Red Bull-dominating season, the SF-23 undoubtedly lacked competitive performance. However, Hamilton’s short stint in the car appeared promising amongst fans, anticipating what the Brit’s drive will look like once he gets into this year’s SF-25.

“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face.” Hamilton said in a post-testing interview.

Reminiscing on his 18-year career in F1, Hamilton added: “It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car. It was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again

“I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”

Joining the team, its clear that Hamilton has been prioritising relationships with engineers and mechanics, however one relationship that is thriving is between Hamilton and Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur. Having joined Ferrari 2023, Vasseur has brought hope to Ferrari fans as the team has grown in competitiveness over the 2024 season. Both Vasseur and Hamilton have worked together previously in junior categories, with Vasseur being Hamilton’s team boss during his Formula 3 days.

With a working relationship present, the pair have also maintained a respectful friendship in the paddock over the years, promising what is likely to be good communication from within the team, which in recent years has been something Ferrari have undeniably lacked.

Discussing Hamilton’s stint in the SF-23, Vasseur said: “As is the case every year, the first time you go out on track is bit like the first day back at school and quite and emotional feeling, especially today as it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team. Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment.”

Both Hamilton and Ferrari were keen to publicise his two-day work trip to Maranello before Hamilton and Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc headed to Barcelona for further testing. Reports soon came that Hamilton had crashed at the Barcelona circuit, although details have not been made public. What is clear though is that reports of Hamilton’s crash are being heavily dramatised, with fans associating the crash with similar crashes that had took place in testing when Hamilton first joined McLaren and Mercedes. Contrary to belief, this crash doesn’t foreshadow an impeding 8th World Drivers’ Championship, but is more likely the product of some cold tires, although one could hope that Hamilton’s accidents stay in testing rather than the races.
However, what we can gather from the Pirelli tire tests, Hamilton may be the one for Leclerc to beat this year. With Hamilton completing a total of 87 laps, the 40-year-old clocked a lap time of 1:15.930, just over a tenth faster than teammate, Leclerc with a lap time of 1:16.060. Although Leclerc completed 86 laps, the gap between himself and Hamilton may be setting the scene for this season.

Whilst nothing is set in stone, pre-season testing is fast approaching as the constructors prepare to unveil their new cars for the season. For now, lap times show that Hamilton could be a threat to Leclerc- who is fighting for his first championship- but once the SF-25 arrives and the drivers get into the thick of pre-season testing, it is only then that we truly get to see just how competitive Ferrari can be this year.

Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons