Lewis Hamilton’s life as a Ferrari driver is in full swing after testing his 2025 challenger for the first time.
The seven-time champion drove the SF-25 at the team’s private Fiorano circuit on Wednesday. Thousands of Ferrari fans showed up at the track – as they did for Hamilton’s first official test in the 2023 car back in January.
Hamilton simply wrote ‘Grazie Tifosi’ on social media to show gratitude to the Ferrari faithful for their devotion and passion. The 40-year-old has struck a chord with the fans and his colleagues already.
Jerome D’Ambrosio says Hamilton’s meet-and-greet immediately won over Ferrari as he shook hands with every employee during his visit to the factory in Maranello.
The Brit has looked to integrate himself into Ferrari as quickly as possible and embrace his new surroundings. Hamilton has been learning Italian to fit in with the team properly – something Michael Schumacher was ‘never liked’ for trying to avoid.
Kimi Antonelli has been impressed by Hamilton’s Italian in the early stages. The Bologna-born driver has replaced the seven-time champion at Mercedes in 2025.
Frederic Vasseur says Lewis Hamilton has brought ‘mega enthusiasm’ to Ferrari
Hamilton has had to wait nearly a year for his sensational Ferrari move to become official. After such a long period, the Brit is more ready than ever to be competitive.
Hamilton says he is invigorated for the upcoming season. The seven-time champion looks more motivated than ever with a fresh challenge -something he needs after a disappointing end to his stint with Mercedes.
The Brit’s optimism has radiated throughout Ferrari. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, team principal Frederic Vasseur says Hamilton has brought ‘mega enthusiasm’ behind the scenes.
The Frenchman also touched on the incredible impact the 40-year-old’s arrival had for the team. Hamilton now has the most-liked F1-related Instagram post with his iconic picture outside Enzo Ferrari’s old house.
Vasseur could not help but laugh as he recalled the moment: “Yeah, this was an important step into the season probably! That it was a good launch but it’s more on the marketing.
“For sure it was very welcome. He’s bringing a new energy into the team, mega enthusiasm and so on. This is important for sure, even in terms of performance.
“But now we have to turn the page of this and to be focused on proper racing.”
Lewis Hamilton received an unbelievable reception at the F1 75 launch event
The day before his first outing in the SF-25, Hamilton made his first public appearance as a Ferrari driver at the F1 75 launch event at the O2 Arena in London.
All 10 teams revealed their liveries for the 2025 season, with Ferrari coming out second-to-last – the running order was the reverse of the 2024 constructors’ championship standings.
Position Constructors’ Standings Points
1
McLaren Racing
666
2
Scuderia Ferrari
652
3
Red Bull Racing
589
4
Mercedes-AMG Petronas
468
5
Aston Martin F1 Team
94
6
Alpine F1 Team
65
7
Haas F1 Team
Hamilton received by far the biggest cheer from the crowd as he walked out on stage with Vasseur and Charles Leclerc. The incredible reception left Hamilton ’emotional’ at the event according to his team boss.
Craig Slater noticed several British fans wearing Ferrari clothing – something not normally seen in the UK but perhaps inevitable. Many would have followed Hamilton to Ferrari from Mercedes after his move.
The 40-year-old will make his debut for Ferrari on March 16 at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Hamilton says his Ferrari debut feels like his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 – and he would love to replicate his podium finish that day.
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