Hamilton visits Ferrari factory for historic first ahead of F1 test
Lewis Hamilton makes his first visit to Ferrari's Maranello facility, preparing for his testing debut in the F1-75. The seven-time world champion expresses excitement about fulfilling his dream of racing in red, as Ferrari plans extensive testing programme.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has marked a momentous occasion in his career with his first visit to Ferrari's Maranello facility, as he prepares for his eagerly anticipated testing debut with the iconic Italian team.
Factory visit and preparations
Hamilton's arrival at the Ferrari factory on Monday morning signaled the beginning of a new chapter in Formula 1 history.
The British driver, who departed Mercedes after a remarkable 12-year tenure, immediately began preparations for his first on-track experience with the Scuderia.
During his visit, Hamilton worked closely with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami, formerly Carlos Sainz's engineer, to ensure a smooth transition into his new role.
Technical integration
The day involved crucial technical preparations, including customizing Hamilton's seat and implementing his requested adjustments to the steering wheel setup.
Hamilton's integration process continued with his first simulator session, laying the groundwork for additional preparation scheduled for Tuesday.
Historic test debut
The stage is set for Hamilton's first Ferrari drive on January 22 at the team's private Fiorano test track, where he will pilot the 2022 F1-75 chassis.
This test represents a significant milestone in Hamilton's illustrious career, with the champion expressing his enthusiasm through social media:
"There are some days that you know you'll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days. I've been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red."
Local impact and security measures
The anticipation surrounding Hamilton's Ferrari debut has created unprecedented local interest, with hotels in the Sassuolo area reporting full occupancy.
The situation has prompted Maranello's mayor Luigi Zironi to implement enhanced security measures, particularly regarding traffic management near both the factory and test track.
Testing programme
Ferrari plans to maximize its allocated 1000km of 'Testing of Previous Cars' under F1's current sporting regulations, providing Hamilton with valuable seat time in 2025.
The testing schedule includes a shared track day with Charles Leclerc on Wednesday, with additional testing planned at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya later in the month, though these details are yet to be finalized.
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