Lewis Hamilton’s set to cause chaos at Ferrari HQ

  Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut Set to Bring Maranello to a Standstill

If you see an unusually high police presence in Maranello later this month, it won’t be for a papal visit but for Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated first drive in a Ferrari Formula 1 car.

  ‘Hamilton Mania’ Grips Italy

Ferrari’s passionate Tifosi are expected to flood the streets when Hamilton arrives at the Fiorano circuit for his inaugural test with the team. The buzz surrounding Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari has already swept across Italy, creating a phenomenon dubbed ‘Hamilton mania.’

After 12 years with Mercedes, where he secured seven World Championships and 105 Grand Prix victories, Hamilton has transitioned from the silver of Mercedes to the iconic red of Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season. His move is sparking debates on whether he can secure a record-breaking eighth World title, potentially surpassing Michael Schumacher’s legendary seven championships.

  The First Step: Hamilton’s Debut Drive

Hamilton’s first outing in a Ferrari will occur later this month, during the week of January 20, though the exact date will depend on the weather. According to Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero, fans will be out in droves to catch a glimpse of Hamilton.

“A sort of Hamilton mania has already started in Italy,” Chinchero said on the James Allen on F1 podcast. “Since the New Year, Ferrari fans are eagerly asking when Hamilton’s first test in the Ferrari will take place.”

Chinchero anticipates that Maranello and Fiorano will be swamped with people. “I’m expecting something unprecedented in years,” he noted, suggesting it will be a tough day for local police managing the crowd.

This fervor isn’t limited to sports media. National outlets are extensively covering Hamilton’s career, passions, and his monumental shift to Ferrari.

**Fittipaldi Predicts a Nationwide Pause**

Emerson Fittipaldi echoed Chinchero’s sentiments, forecasting that Italy will come to a standstill when Hamilton races in Ferrari red for the first time on March 16. Speaking on the On Track podcast, Fittipaldi said, “The whole of Italy will stop to watch Lewis drive a Ferrari.”

Fittipaldi highlighted Hamilton’s motivation and the challenge of joining Ferrari at this stage in his career, noting the reunion with team principal Frederic Vasseur, who was instrumental in Hamilton’s early days in Formula 3 and Formula 2.

**Upcoming Tests and Preparations**

Hamilton will initially test either the F1-75 or the SF-23 at Fiorano, followed by another session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona later in January. Ferrari has reserved a four-day window at the circuit to ensure optimal conditions for Hamilton’s preparation.

He will then officially debut for Ferrari during pre-season testing in Bahrain next month, marking the beginning of what promises to be one of the most exciting chapters in Formula 1 history.