Lewis Hamilton has received a remarkably warm welcome at Ferrari, with the Italian team’s vice chairman Piero Ferrari dismissing any concerns about the 40-year-old’s fitness as he begins his new chapter with the Scuderia.
The seven-time Formula One world champion, who departed Mercedes after a challenging 2024 season, has already begun integrating with his new team at Maranello.
“He is fit, both physically and mentally, it doesn’t seem to me that age is a problem,” Piero Ferrari told Autosprint.
The son of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari highlighted Hamilton’s enthusiasm for his new role, adding: “He accepted the challenge with enormous enthusiasm, so he is confident in his abilities.”
The British driver’s arrival has generated significant excitement within the team and among Ferrari’s passionate fanbase.
Lewis Hamilton drove a Ferrari car for the first time last month
Reuters
Hamilton’s first visit to the Ferrari factory was a family affair, accompanied by his father Anthony, mother Carmen and stepmother Linda.
The group received an exceptionally warm reception at the Fiorano track, where thousands of fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of their new driver.
“I went to greet him when he set foot in Fiorano, of course, welcoming him,” Piero Ferrari revealed.
“He had seen the fans waiting for him from the car windows, and he was happy, surprised,” Ferrari added.
The Ferrari vice chairman also shared his impressions of Hamilton’s family: “The whole extended family was there. I had a chat with his dad, a nice person.
“He, too, was surprised by the warmth of those who had waited for Lewis at the edge of the track.”
Hamilton responded to the fan welcome by walking over to wave at the assembled crowd.
Lewis Hamilton is set to tussle it out with Charles LeclercReutersHamilton’s initial period with Ferrari has included both highlights and minor setbacks as he adapts to his new surroundings.
The British driver experienced a small incident during testing when he crashed a 2023 Ferrari on his third day behind the wheel, though he emerged unharmed.
Ferrari officials described the crash as minor and expressed no concerns about the incident.
Taking to social media on Friday, Hamilton reassured his followers about his wellbeing while sharing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
The driver posted a photo of himself in Ferrari attire with the caption: “First race can’t come soon enough.”
Hamilton also shared several images documenting his early days with the Italian team, giving fans a glimpse into his transition to Ferrari.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents his bid to secure a record-breaking eighth Formula One drivers’ championship, following his last title victory in 2020.
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Lewis Hamilton endured a difficult last few years with MercedesLewis Hamilton endured a difficult last few years with Mercedes
The switch comes after a challenging period at Mercedes, where Hamilton managed two victories in 2024, including a historic ninth win at Silverstone and a triumph in Belgium.
The British driver will begin his quest for championship glory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 14-16.
After experiencing frustration with an underperforming Mercedes car, Hamilton will be eager to prove his championship credentials with Ferrari’s machinery.
His arrival at the Italian team marks one of the most significant driver moves in recent Formula One history, with both team and driver showing mutual enthusiasm for their new partnership.