Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has long expressed a desire to race for Ferrari, according to Piero Ferrari, the only living son of team founder Enzo Ferrari. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season marks the realization of a long-held ambition that he had conveyed multiple times throughout his tenure at Mercedes.
Hamilton made his first public appearances as a Ferrari driver last week, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from fans at Fiorano. He described his first test drive with Ferrari as an unforgettable experience, calling it “one of the best feelings” of his life. During a speech to his new colleagues, he shared that he had been waiting “forever” to join the Italian team.
The 40-year-old driver’s switch to Ferrari came just months after he signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes in 2023. However, he exercised a break clause in his contract to make the transition possible. Reports suggest that his meeting with Ferrari president John Elkann, shortly after securing his seventh title in 2020, played a key role in facilitating his move.
Piero Ferrari, speaking to Italian publication Autosprint, revealed that Hamilton had expressed interest in Ferrari multiple times, though contractual obligations with Mercedes and Ferrari’s commitments to their own drivers had previously prevented any negotiations. Eventually, the timing worked out, allowing both sides to reach an agreement.
Hamilton’s connection with Ferrari dates back to 2014 when he visited the Maranello factory while purchasing a LaFerrari. Piero Ferrari recalled that Hamilton took great interest in personalizing his car and later joined him for dinner at the Cavallino restaurant. Their discussions covered a range of topics, including their shared admiration for the late Niki Lauda, who played a pivotal role in Hamilton’s move to Mercedes in 2012. Lauda, a two-time Ferrari champion, remains a significant figure in both Hamilton’s and Ferrari’s history.
Beyond racing, Piero Ferrari described Hamilton as a well-rounded and insightful individual who is aware of global issues and has a deep appreciation for animals. Reports also suggest that Hamilton paid tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s legacy by dressing in an elegant suit and overcoat on his first day at Maranello, inspired by the team founder’s iconic style.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari signals a new chapter in his illustrious career, fulfilling a dream that has been years in the making.
