Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari has sparked excitement within the Formula 1 community.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton will join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, a partnership many dreamed of but never believed possible.
The move marks a landmark change in the driver market and will breathe new life into the Scuderia’s attempts to end its championship drought.
The announcement, which was first announced in February, sparked much speculation.
The move was largely orchestrated by Ferrari president John Elkann, whose admiration for Hamilton was crucial in making the partnership a reality: Elkann believes Hamilton’s wealth of experience, in-depth knowledge of rival teams and global media presence will all strengthen Ferrari’s competitive position and the brand.
For Hamilton, this is not only a new chapter in his career, but also the realization of a childhood dream inspired by legends like Michael Schumacher.
In his own words, leaving Mercedes – having triggered his release clause to initiate the move – was “one of the hardest decisions” he has made.
Ferrari are determined to reverse years of failure and signing Hamilton is part of a wider vision, having appointed Fred Wasser as team principal and strengthened the team with engineers such as Loic Serra and Jerome D’Ambrosio from rival teams.
With Hamilton, uniting efforts with Charles Leclerc, who recently entered Ferrari after 2024, they are looking to create a tremendous motivation of the driver. Carlos Seinz will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, promising to deliver everything that is possible until he moved to Williams.
Italian journalist Leo Turrini shared his thoughts on his blog Profondo Rosso (via Motors Addict), commenting on Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari and his plans to move to a house near Ferrari’s birthplace, Maranello:
What piques my curiosity is the imminent arrival of Lewis Hamilton in Amelia.
Lewis IR is looking for a house near Maranero. Seven world champions seem to have decided to experience the red atmosphere up close.
Naturally, in such a context, the most strange rumors spread in this area. Some people have swore to steal some castles in the area under the name of Baronet.
Others, more modestly, suggest using a drone. The truth is that expectations in this area are growing exponentially; imagine Lewis would love to know what’s going on in the country pastor’s pot, aka Fred Wasser, which is why the development coming to Austin on SF24 is going to be bigger than you might imagine. […] Hamilton’s curiosity (and of course Leclerc’s) is therefore completely understandable.
Hamilton doesn’t stop there. He is already deeply invested in the technical development of Ferrari’s SF24, which is essential for this season and especially for the 2025 setup.
His mastery of the team’s functions will be essential for the seasons ahead. Leaving Mercedes on a high note. Hamilton, meanwhile, is equally keen to immerse himself in Ferrari culture, even expressing an intention to learn Italian based on his fond memories of karting in Italy.
For Hamilton, a committed vegan, the cultural change also extends to adapting to the diet of a region known for its rich food culture, which contrasts starkly with his personal eating habits.
The situation has reportedly sparked mixed feelings among local culinary figures, such as Mamma Rossella, a local chef in the area.
Speaking about Hamilton’s veganism, Turrini reportedly said, “We can also understand the concern of Mamma Rossella, the legendary chef from Montana, the gastronomic temple where Schumi learned to make tagliatelle.” She asked me: but do you think Lewis is so vegan that he’ll refuse to taste my ragù?”
As the 2025 season approaches, Hamilton\’s debut with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16 is set within a highly competitive 24-round calendar.
This season also marks the 75th anniversary of the Formula One world championship, adding another celebration to his first appearance in Ferrari colors.
Given Ferrari’s long hiatus from the championship, expectations for the tifosi are extremely high and Hamilton’s arrival is seen as a turning point.