The seven-time champion confirmed his move to F1’s most successful team before the 2024 season – his final year with Mercedes. Hamilton has signed a £39m-a-year contract – rising to £83m with bonuses – that runs until 2026 with the option of a further year.
The Brit is now the second seven-time champion to race for Ferrari after Michael Schumacher. Heading into 2025, Hamilton is looking to grab a record eighth title with the Maranello outfit.
Driving for Ferrari will bring huge pressure on the 40-year-old to deliver results, especially given the disappointing end to his stint at Mercedes. Hamilton finished seventh in the drivers’ championship in 2024 – the lowest finish of his career.
But the fresh start at Ferrari is looking like the motivation he needs. Fans have noticed Hamilton looks more joyous at Ferrari as he greeted his new colleagues at the Maranello factory.
Hamilton’s move to the famous red team is arguably the biggest transfer in F1 history. Fans and pundits across the world are eagerly awaiting the Brit’s first race with the team after seeing him in testing.
Hamilton conducted his first test with Ferrari in the SF-23 at the team’s private Fiorano circuit. The 40-year-old had his family in attendance to see the historic moment.
Thousands of Ferrari fans also turned up to watch the incredible spectacle. Interest in Hamilton’s first Ferrari outing was so intense that the mayor of Maranello declared a state of emergency to help the police with the traffic in the small town.
In a behind-the-scenes video on Ferrari’s YouTube channel, Hamilton is seen on the Fiorano track ahead of his test in the SF-23. The Brit recalls running the circuit the day before and how he was overcome with emotion when he realised his move to the team was real
“I can’t believe it”, he said. “So I ran this track yesterday. I did three laps yesterday, in the morning. It was great, I did three laps, so 6.2 miles.
“I’ve seen photos of this. When I was running down with the hairpin over there and I was looking back over here I was like: ‘Oh my God’.
“It was like [it] hit me in waves. It’s been such a dream to come here and have this experience.
“It’s amazing, I’ve got my parents here, my Dad and my two moms. Yeah, been a long, long, long way.
“Feel like it’s the first day of work, first day of school!”
The seven-time champion has since conducted more tests in Ferrari machinery in Barcelona through TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) and Pirelli tyre tests. Despite Hamilton crashing during the TPC run, the Brit reported positive feedback.
Hamilton will face the daunting prospect of needing to integrate himself into a new team with a new engine and a new language. But the 40-year-old has looked to quickly embrace Ferrari’s culture.
Hamilton addressed his colleagues in Italian at his recent factory visit – something Michael Schumacher always avoided – showing how motivated he is to make this stint in his incredible career a success.
Taking on Charles Leclerc will be no easy feat given the Monagasque driver’s experience with the Maranello outfit. But Hamilton’s confidantes think he can reach a new level if Ferrari can give him a winning car.
Ferrari chiefs expect Hamilton to be their number one driver in 2025. If he can find the groove in the SF-25, the Brit must be considered a serious contender to dethrone Max Verstappen this season.
