Lewis Hamilton said he “couldn't be happier” to realize his dream of becoming a Ferrari driver, as he officially started work with the Italian team on Monday.
Hamilton marked his first day at the famous Prancing Horse's Maranello factory with a post on social media expressing his delight at realizing a career-long “dream”.
The seven-time world champion stunned the sporting world last February by deciding to leave Mercedes after 12 years to sign for Ferrari for the 2025 season in the sport's most high-profile transfer of all time.
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Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “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 that dream of racing in red. I couldn't be happier to have achieved that dream today.
“Today we begin a new era in the history of this legendary team and I can't wait to see what story we will write together.”
Hamilton will drive a Ferrari F1 car for the first time later this week, with the Briton expected to get test time in his 2023 car at the Fiorano circuit, which is near the team's factory.
The blockbuster Hamilton-Ferrari move united the most successful F1 driver in history with the most successful team.
Hamilton, who turned 40 earlier this month, has won a record 105 races and the top seven world championships, while Ferrari is the all-time leader in both drivers' (15) and constructors' (16) victories.
But the Scuderia have not won a title since 2008, although a strong finish last season saw them finish 14 points behind new constructors' champion McLaren in second place.
Ferrari opted against introducing Hamilton at an official press conference, instead waiting for the official launch of the 2025 F1 season on February 18, followed by a team media event a day later.
Hamilton's first day at Ferrari in photos
Hamilton with Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigno and F1 team principal Frederic Vasseur
Hamilton talks to Ferrari president John Elkann
Lewis Hamilton met with members of the Ferrari F1 team on his tour of the Maranello factory (All photo credits: @Scuderia Ferrari)
Hamilton set for 'total immersion program'
Shortly after Hamilton's announcement on social media, Ferrari gave more details about how the Brit spent his first day at Maranello.
A team statement said: “Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari adventure is now underway. Early this morning, the seven-time world champion arrived at the team's headquarters in Maranello at 27 Via Enzo Ferrari.
From there he went to the Fiorano track where, behind Enzo Ferrari's house, in the small square that now bears the name of the only seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher, he was met by team director Fred Vasseur and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna.
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“The traditional 'first day' photos were taken there and even the weather helped make Lewis feel at home, with typically British overcast skies and rain. Also on hand was a Ferrari F40, Lewis' favorite supercar.
“Next on Lewis' agenda was a short visit to the Fiorano house and garage, with Vasseur and Vignano, including a look at the famous office, from where Enzo Ferrari would watch 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, visiting all the different departments to get to know the team.
“Work continues tomorrow with more technical meetings and briefings as preparations are underway for what will be a very busy season.”
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