Lewis Hamilton has released the first picture of himself dressed in Ferrari’s iconic colors ahead of his first test for the famous Italian team.
The 40-year-old is expected to drive a Ferrari for the first time in his trophy-laden career at the Fiorano constructors’ test track on Wednesday.
Hamilton spent 48 hours at the Italian team’s Maranello base meeting his new team-mates following his blockbuster move from Mercedes.
She posted a photo on her social media pages with the caption “FIRST TIME IN RED”, which garnered 1.5 million likes within an hour of being posted on Instagram.
The British driver is due to get behind the wheel of one of Ferrari’s latest F1 cars during the team’s private test session on Wednesday, depending on the weather.
Hamilton, who is bidding to become the first driver to win eight world titles, said on Monday: “There are some days 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 achieve things in my career that I never thought were possible, but a part of me has always held onto the dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier for that dream to come true today a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what history we will write together.”
Hamilton moves to Ferrari after 12 seasons at Mercedes, the longest in the sport’s history, and his first race for his new team will be in Melbourne on March 16.
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As Lewis Hamilton prepares to drive for Ferrari this year, take a look at some of his best previous battles with the team in the past.
He is due to lock down his car at Ferrari’s season opener with team-mate Charles Leclerc at Maranello on February 19, a day after the F1 season kicks off at The O2 arena, before testing in Bahrain next week.
Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari in photos
Hamilton with Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna and F1 team principal Frederic Wasser
Hamilton talks to Ferrari chairman John Elkann
Hamilton met members of the Ferrari F1 team during his tour of the Maranello factory (all images courtesy of Scuderia Ferrari HP Press Office
Hamilton prepares for ‘total plan of burial’
Shortly after Hamilton’s post on social media on Monday, Ferrari provided more details on how the Briton spent his first day at Maranello.
The team’s statement reads: “Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari adventure is now underway. Early this morning, the seven-time world champion arrived at the team’s Maranello headquarters at 27 Enzo Ferrari.
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See how Lewis Hamilton was treated on his first day at Ferrari
“From there he went to the Fiorano circuit, where he was met by team principal Fred Wasser and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna in the small square behind Enzo Ferrari’s house, now named after Michael Schumacher, the only seven-time Formula 1 world champion;
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In a comprehensive interview with Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater, Fred Wasser shares the Ferrari team’s goals for the new season, hopes for Lewis Hamilton’s debut and the team’s challenge to beat Max Verstappen.
“Traditional ‘first day’ photos were taken there and even the weather helped Lewis feel at home with overcast British skies and rain. Also on hand was a Ferrari F40, Lewis’ favorite supercar.”
Next on Lewis’ agenda was a brief visit to Fiorano’s home and pit garage, including a look at the famous office from which Enzo Ferrari would monitor his team’s work. Hamilton then returned to Scuderia headquarters where he met the management team and Piero Ferrari , before embarking on a full day diving program visiting all the different sections: to get to know the team.
“Work will continue tomorrow with more technical meetings and briefings as preparations are made for a very busy season ahead.”
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