The moment Formula 1 fans had been eagerly anticipating finally arrived—Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, officially began his journey with Scuderia Ferrari. His first days with the team in Maranello were marked by excitement, adaptation, and a strong commitment to making history in the legendary red car.
First Laps at Fiorano: A New Chapter Begins
Hamilton’s first laps in a Ferrari took place at the team’s private Fiorano test track, where he had the opportunity to get a feel for his new environment. In damp and cool conditions, he completed 30 laps, gradually adapting to the car’s handling and characteristics.
Describing the experience as “one of the best feelings of my life”, Hamilton expressed deep admiration for Ferrari’s racing heritage and the warm welcome he received from the team. “Driving in red for the first time is something truly special. The car, the atmosphere, the passion—it’s all incredible,” he shared with reporters.
Fans had gathered near the track, eager to witness the historic moment as Hamilton donned the Ferrari racing suit for the first time. The sight of the British superstar in Ferrari red was symbolic—not only for him but for the millions of supporters worldwide who had followed his career since his McLaren debut in 2007.
Seamless Sponsor Transition: Hamilton Brings His Brand Power
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was the seamless transition of his key sponsors. Over the years, Hamilton has established himself as more than just a racing driver—he’s a global brand with powerful partnerships in the fashion and luxury industries.
As expected, Tommy Hilfiger, which had been a major sponsor during Hamilton’s Mercedes tenure, followed him to Ferrari. The brand has been a longtime supporter of Hamilton’s personal style, and their continued partnership ensures that Ferrari benefits from his unique crossover appeal between motorsports and fashion.
Another major shift occurred in the watch industry. While at Mercedes, Hamilton was the face of IWC, frequently seen sporting their timepieces. However, Ferrari’s long-standing partnership with Richard Mille has introduced Hamilton to a new horological relationship. Shortly after his first Ferrari test, he was seen wearing the RM67-02 ‘Italy’ edition, a lightweight, ultra-thin timepiece designed for high-performance athletes.
Social media has already proven the value of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. His first Instagram post in Ferrari colors shattered records, gaining over 5.4 million likes, making it the most-liked Formula 1 post in history. Analytics firm Sponsorlytix estimated that this single post generated $400,000 in brand value for the sponsors displayed on his new Ferrari suit, with HP, Shell, IBM, and Ceva among the biggest beneficiaries.
What’s Next for Hamilton and Ferrari?
With his first Fiorano test complete, Hamilton’s full integration into the Ferrari team is now underway. His next private test will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya, giving him more time to adjust before the official pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Ferrari fans are eager to see what Hamilton can bring to the team as he partners with Charles Leclerc in one of the most exciting driver pairings in recent F1 history. His competitive debut in red will take place at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, where expectations will be sky-high.
For now, Hamilton is focused on fine-tuning his approach and learning everything he can about Ferrari’s systems and operations. “This is a team with so much history and passion. I’m here to give my absolute best, and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
With an electrifying start to his Ferrari career, Lewis Hamilton is ready to make history once again—this time, in the iconic red of Scuderia Ferrari.
