Lewis Hamilton has despatched shockwaves by the Components 1 world along with his first official look as a Ferrari driver.
After almost a yr of hypothesis and anticipation, the seven-time world champion lastly donned Ferrari’s iconic purple, capturing international consideration throughout his debut week at Maranello. Lewis Hamilton posed for a hanging picture exterior Enzo Ferrari’s historic residence, with a Ferrari F40 serving as a dramatic backdrop. The picture, which marked his first manufacturing facility go to, rapidly grew to become the most-liked F1-related publish ever, surpassing teammate Charles Leclerc’s Monza 2024 victory celebration.
The next day, Hamilton shared one other milestone second—his first picture in a Ferrari race go well with. The picture elicited widespread reactions, together with a playful remark from Damon Hill, who quipped that the “satan wears Ferrari.”
Hamilton additionally made his much-anticipated observe debut for Ferrari at Fiorano, drawing over a thousand Tifosi desirous to witness the historic second. Regardless of foggy and wet circumstances, the 40-year-old showcased his distinctive automotive management, impressing onlookers. Within the difficult circumstances, Lewis Hamilton’s lap occasions have been notably quicker than teammate Charles Leclerc’s, although this was largely as a result of Monégasque driver finishing fewer laps solely within the rain.
One standout characteristic of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut was his daring new helmet design—a hanging all-yellow scheme. Whereas comparisons to Ayrton Senna’s iconic yellow helmet have been inevitable, reviews clarified that Hamilton’s alternative had “nothing to do” with the Brazilian legend. Motorsport journalist Piergiuseppe Donadoni famous that Hamilton has constantly used yellow helmets all through his profession. As highlighted by Italian web site AutoRacer, followers will recall Lewis Hamilton’s signature yellow design throughout his GP2 championship win in 2006 and his early F1 years with McLaren, earlier than transitioning to a predominantly white design upon becoming a member of Mercedes in 2013. For Lewis Hamilton, the yellow helmet represents a private connection, and its return for the 2025 Components 1 season looks like a pure continuation of his journey.
Martin Brundle has additionally supplied perception into Hamilton’s new Ferrari problem, providing hope to followers looking forward to a championship push. Following a lackluster 2024 season that noticed Hamilton end seventh within the standings—the bottom of his profession—the Brit is set to make a recent begin. Ferrari followers have already set excessive expectations, calling for a title run in 2025.
The British former racing driver and broadcaster instructed that Ferrari’s offseason developments may give them an edge over McLaren, doubtlessly positioning the Scuderia as sturdy contenders on the entrance of the grid. Hamilton’s enthusiasm throughout his Maranello manufacturing facility go to—described as joyful and revitalized—contrasts sharply with the frustration he displayed throughout his last months at Mercedes.
Because the season opener looms, Lewis Hamilton faces immense stress to ship outcomes for F1’s most celebrated crew. But, with renewed optimism and a aggressive automotive, the seven-time champion could possibly be poised so as to add one other historic chapter to his illustrious profession.