The seven-time champion has spent much of the last few seasons lagging behind in a sub-standard Mercedes car which struggled to remain consistent.
Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari before the 2024 season had begun, sending shockwaves through the paddock and affecting the driver market.
There are still two months before his first race at the Australian Grand Prix but that offers the chance for plenty of preparation before stepping into new machinery to compete for the Drivers’ Championship.
Hamilton has already requested one adjustment to Ferrari’s 2025 car after being dissatisfied with the arrangement of their steering wheel.
Even after six title-winning seasons, Hamilton broke a promise that he would always drive for Mercedes to join the Scuderia. They ended last year with the second-fastest car and should compete for the title this year.
Ferrari faces an additional obstacle with Hamilton’s 2025 car after it was revealed they are making a new car for his arrival, rather than developing their old concept.
It’s an aggressive move which comes with low risk. It’s the final year before new technical regulations kick in at the start of 2026, so they can’t lose too much.
New teammate Charles Leclerc will have to adjust to the new car too, which may be a slight advantage to Hamilton’s title hopes.
He was dealt an early blow on his first official day at the team’s facility though, after they were forced to delay his first proper running in an older car due to weather according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
It is believed that his next opportunity to get behind the wheel will be on Wednesday, with fans lining the streets to catch a glimpse.
Maranello’s mayor has declared an emergency ahead of Hamilton’s Ferrari test as he steps into a red car for the first time, with an onslaught of fans testing the local communities’ resources.
The level of excitement in Italy is through the roof. It has been 10 years since they signed such a big name when Sebastian Vettel joined them from Red Bull.
Fans are aware that Hamilton’s first Ferrari run will take place at the beautiful Fiorano, hence why they are travelling to Maranello in their droves.
It’s a lot for the Brit to take in, who is faced with the passionate crowds while still learning how to speak Italian.
If anyone is up to such a mammoth task, it’s probably the man who holds many of Formula 1’s most significant records.
