Lewis Hamilton posted his first photo wearing the famous Ferrari colors on the eve of what will be his first test for the famous Italian team.
The 40-year-old is expected to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time in his trophy-laden career at the factory test track in Fiorano on Wednesday.
Hamilton enjoyed a whirlwind 48 hours at the Italian team’s base in Maranello after meeting his new teammates following his impressive move from Mercedes.
He posted a photo on his social media accounts titled “FIRST TIME IN RED” which attracted 1.5 million likes within an hour of posting it on Instagram.
Weather permitting, the British driver is scheduled to sit behind the wheel of one of Ferrari’s last Formula 1 cars at the team’s test track on Wednesday.
Hamilton, who is bidding to become the first driver to win eight world titles, said on Monday: “There are some days that you know you will 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 part of me has always held on to the dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realize that dream today. Today we begin a new era in the history of this iconic team, “I can’t wait to see the story we write together.”
Hamilton moves to Ferrari after 12 seasons at Mercedes – a deal seen as the biggest in the sport’s history – and his first race with his new team will be in Melbourne on March 16.
He is scheduled to unveil his car at Ferrari’s season launch alongside teammate Charles Leclerc on February 19 in Maranello – a day after the Formula 1 season launch event at the O2 Arena – with testing in Bahrain following that the following week.
Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari in pictures
Hamilton prepares for ‘full immersion program’
Shortly after Hamilton’s social media post on Monday, Ferrari provided more details on how the Briton will spend his first day in Maranello.
A team statement said: “Lewis Hamilton’s adventure with Ferrari is now underway. Early this morning, the seven-time world champion arrived at the team headquarters in Maranello via Enzo Ferrari 27.
“From there he went to the Fiorano circuit where, against the backdrop of Enzo Ferrari’s house, in the small square that now bears the name of the only other seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher, he was met by team principal Fred Vasseur and Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna.
The traditional ‘first day’ photos were taken there, and even the weather helped make Lewis feel at home, with overcast British skies and drizzle. Also on hand was a Ferrari F40, Lewis’ favorite supercar.
“Next on Lewis’ agenda was a short visit to Fiorano’s home and pit garage, with Vasseur and Vigna, including a look at the famous office, where Enzo Ferrari watched his team at work. Hamilton then returned to Scuderia headquarters.” , where he met the management team and Piero Ferrari, before embarking on a full day immersion programme, where he visited all the different departments to get to know the team.
“Work continues tomorrow with further technical meetings and briefings as we begin preparations for what will be a very busy season.”
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