Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari was officially announced in February 2024 as a multi-year contract with the Italian racing team.

The British driver currently holds the position for most world championships in Formula 1, accumulating seven titles in a tie with Michael Schumacher. His impressive record made him a top choice for Ferrari’s seat in a race for the next world title.

Ferrari has more Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships than all the other teams, alongside other records, making it the most successful team in the history of Formula 1. 

However, without taking a Constructors title since 2008, Ferrari holds the ambition of gaining its status back as the best Formula 1 team by signing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. 

Crash during test in Barcelona

In one of his first times testing the Ferrari car, Hamilton crashed the 2023 Ferrari car (SF-23) in a private test in Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, held in early January. 

No pictures or videos of the private testing were released, making the reason for the crash unknown by the motorsport community and raising speculations on his future performance at Ferrari. 

Former Formula 1 racing driver David Coulthard has come out to affirm it is not an uncommon occurrence for drivers who are switching teams.

“I see it as simply as this—he has to get used to the control systems in that Ferrari, the power delivery,” Coulthard said.

Formula 1 Launch event

Formula 1 held F1 75 Live, a first-of-its-kind launch event for its 2025 season, on February 18, 2025, in London.

As his first public appearance as a Ferrari driver, Hamilton expressed content in joining the Italian team and said he “had to find the limits of the car as quickly as possible.”

During the event, Ferrari also surprised their fans by showcasing their newest car, the SF-25, in advance of the shakedown scheduled for the next day. 

The team’s principal Fred Vasseur said “​​the SF-25 is the result of months of intense work carried out with great dedication,” raising the fans’ expectations for this season.

The following day, Hamilton made his debut in the SF-25 in a shakedown at Ferrari’s test track in Fiorani, expressing confidence in his move to the team after driving their newest car.

The 2025 season

The pre-season test will take place in Bahrain on February 26 to 28, 2025. Hamilton’s performance in pre-season testing will be crucial in setting expectations for his first year with Ferrari

Alongside Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s arrival adds a new dynamic to the team. His experience in championship battles is an advantage, but Ferrari must provide a car capable of fighting at the front.

With the season opener, also in Bahrain, on March 9, anticipation is high on whether or not Ferrari can beat its main rivals from last season, McLaren and Red Bull, and have a shot at its long wait for a title.