Lewis Hamilton has released his first picture wearing the iconic Ferrari colors ahead of what is set to 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 career at the constructors' test track in Fiorano on Wednesday.
Hamilton enjoyed a whirlwind 48 hours at the Italian team's base in Maranello after meeting his new team-mates following his snap transfer from Mercedes.
On his social media accounts, he posted a picture titled “FIRST TIME IN RED” which attracted 1.5 million likes within an hour of being posted on Instagram.
The British driver is due, weather permitting, to get behind the wheel of one of Ferrari's recent F1 cars at the team's private 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 you know you will remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days.
“I've been fortunate enough to achieve things in my career that I never thought were possible, but a part of me has always held that dream of racing in red. I couldn't be happier to have that dream come true today. Today we begin a new era in history of this legendary team, and I can't wait to see what story we will write together.”
Hamilton moves to Ferrari after 12 seasons at Mercedes – a transfer considered the biggest in the sport's history – and his first race for his new team will be in Melbourne on March 16.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
With Lewis Hamilton set 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 take the wraps off his car at Ferrari's season launch alongside team-mate Charles Leclerc on February 19 at Maranello – the day after the F1 season opener at the O2 arena – with testing to follow in Bahrain next week.
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
Hamilton met members of the Ferrari F1 team on his tour of the Maranello factory (All photos credit: Scuderia Ferrari HP Press Office
Hamilton set for 'total immersion program'
Shortly after Hamilton's social media post on Monday, Ferrari released more details on 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.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
See what Lewis Hamilton did on the first day at Ferrari
From there he went to the Fiorano track where, behind Enzo Ferrari's house, in a 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.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
In an inclusive interview with Sky Sports F1's Craig Slater, Fred Vasseur shares Ferrari's goals for the new season, his hopes for new arrival Lewis Hamilton and the team's challenge to beat Max Verstappen
“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 meet the team.
“Work continues tomorrow with more technical meetings and briefings as preparations are underway for what will be a very busy season.”
Watch all 24 race weekends of the 2025 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports from NOW – No contract, cancel anytime