Hamilton: Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team

Hamilton is gearing up for his debut season with the Scuderia, having joined the team from Mercedes to partner Charles Leclerc, replacing Carlos Sainz in the process.

On Monday, the seven-time F1 World Champion posted an update across his social media platforms, sharing a photo of himself dressed in an all-black suit outside Ferrari’s team buildings. Another image showed him alongside a classic Ferrari F40, further fuelling fans’ anticipation for the upcoming season.

Almost a year after Hamilton’s stunning decision to leave Mercedes – where he claimed six of his seven Formula 1 world championships – the 40-year-old has begun his first official day at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters.

Hamilton endured his toughest season in Formula 1 last year in terms of championship standings, finishing seventh overall. However, he secured two race victories, breaking a two-season winless streak. His most recent championship triumph came in 2020.

Ferrari's 115th driver to race in Formula 1 is expected to undertake several pre-season commitments at Maranello this week, including preparations at the Fiorano test track. Ferrari provided an update on his first day with the team, outlining key moments of his arrival.

Hamilton was greeted at the factory by Team Principal Fred Vasseur and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, marking the start of his integration into the iconic team.

Hamilton wrote on his Instagram post: "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.

"I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today. Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together," declared the 40-year-old former Mercedes driver.

Ferrari posted the following tweet on X welcoming Hamilton:

After lunch time (Europe time) Ferrari sent an official press release: "Lewis Hamilton’s Scuderia Ferrari HP adventure is now underway. Early this morning, the seven-time world champion arrived at the team’s Maranello headquarters at via Enzo Ferrari 27.

"From there he went to the Fiorano track where, against the backdrop of Enzo Ferrari’s house, in the small square now named after the only other seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Schumacher, he was met by Team Principal, Fred Vasseur and Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna.

"The traditional “first day” photos were taken there and even the weather helped to make Lewis feel at home, with some typically British overcast skies and drizzle. Also on hand was a Ferrari F40, Lewis’ favourite supercar.

Meetings and total immersion. Next on Lewis’ agenda was a short visit to the Fiorano house and the pit garage, with Vasseur and Vigna, including a look at the famous office, from where Enzo Ferrari would watch his team at work.

Hamilton then returned to the Scuderia HQ, where he met the management team and Piero Ferrari, before embarking on a daylong total immersion programme, visiting all the various departments to get to know the team.

The work continues Tuesday with more technical meetings and briefings as preparations get underway for what will be a very busy season.