Lewis Hamilton has despatched shockwaves by way of the System 1 world along with his first official look as a Ferrari driver.
After practically a 12 months of hypothesis and anticipation, the seven-time world champion lastly donned Ferrari’s iconic purple, capturing world consideration throughout his debut week at Maranello. Lewis Hamilton posed for a hanging photograph outdoors Enzo Ferrari’s historic dwelling, with a Ferrari F40 serving as a dramatic backdrop. The picture, which marked his first manufacturing facility go to, shortly grew to become the most-liked F1-related submit ever, surpassing teammate Charles Leclerc’s Monza 2024 victory celebration.
The next day, Hamilton shared one other milestone second—his first photograph in a Ferrari race go well with. The picture elicited widespread reactions, together with a playful remark from Damon Hill, who quipped that the “satan wears Ferrari.”
Hamilton additionally made his much-anticipated observe debut for Ferrari at Fiorano, drawing over a thousand Tifosi desperate to witness the historic second. Regardless of foggy and wet situations, the 40-year-old showcased his distinctive automobile management, impressing onlookers. Within the difficult situations, Lewis Hamilton’s lap instances had been notably sooner than teammate Charles Leclerc’s, although this was largely because of the Monégasque driver finishing fewer laps solely within the rain.
One standout function of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut was his daring new helmet design—a hanging all-yellow scheme. Whereas comparisons to Ayrton Senna’s iconic yellow helmet had been inevitable, stories clarified that Hamilton’s selection had “nothing to do” with the Brazilian legend. Motorsport journalist Piergiuseppe Donadoni famous that Hamilton has persistently used yellow helmets all through his profession. As highlighted by Italian web site AutoRacer, followers will recall Lewis Hamilton’s signature yellow design throughout his GP2 championship win in 2006 and his early F1 years with McLaren, earlier than transitioning to a predominantly white design upon becoming a member of Mercedes in 2013. For Lewis Hamilton, the yellow helmet represents a private connection, and its return for the 2025 System 1 season appears like a pure continuation of his journey.
Martin Brundle has additionally offered perception into Hamilton’s new Ferrari problem, providing hope to followers looking forward to a championship push. Following a lackluster 2024 season that noticed Hamilton end seventh within the standings—the bottom of his profession—the Brit is set to make a recent begin. Ferrari followers have already set excessive expectations, calling for a title run in 2025.
The British former racing driver and broadcaster advised that Ferrari’s offseason developments might give them an edge over McLaren, doubtlessly positioning the Scuderia as sturdy contenders on the entrance of the grid. Hamilton’s enthusiasm throughout his Maranello manufacturing facility go to—described as joyful and revitalized—contrasts sharply with the frustration he displayed throughout his remaining months at Mercedes.
Because the season opener looms, Lewis Hamilton faces immense stress to ship outcomes for F1’s most celebrated group. But, with renewed optimism and a aggressive automobile, the seven-time champion could possibly be poised so as to add one other historic chapter to his illustrious profession.