Lewis Hamilton was left ‘surprised’ by the warmth of his welcome as he entered a new career chapter at Ferrari.
The seven-time formula one world champion left Mercedes at the end of last season after encountering the toughest season of his career so far.
The 2024 campaign saw Hamilton faced with a multitude of challenges but his victory at Silverstone will stand up as a huge career highlight as he became the first F1 driver to win at the same track nine times.
He scored another victory in Belgium a few weeks later after teammate George Russell was disqualified after a post-race inspection.
Apart from the two wins, Hamilton struggled during qualifying leading to some questioning whether he was past his prime.
But in an interview with Autosprint, Piero Ferrari, son of Ferrari founder Enzo, claims he has no such concerns with the 40-year-old’s condition and lifted the lid on Hamilton’s first reactions to his new surroundings.
“He is fit, both physically and mentally, it doesn’t seem to me that age is a problem,” he told Autosprint. “He accepted the challenge with enormous enthusiasm, so he is confident in his abilities.”
Hamilton’s integration is already underway ahead of the new season in March.
He spent his first week as a Ferrari driver visiting the Maranello factory, meeting his new engineers and team-mates, before posing for photos.
The Brit, alongside father Anthony, mother Carmen and stepmother Lind, were given a warm welcome, something the driver was taken aback by.
Hamilton took to the wheel where he was cheered on by thousands of fans who had positioned themselves on the outskirts of the track. Hamilton then walked over to wave back at them.
Asked about the welcome Hamilton received, Ferrari said: “I went to greet him when he set foot in Fiorano, of course, welcoming him.
GettyHamilton showed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received[/caption]
“He had seen the fans waiting for him from the car windows, and he was happy, surprised”
He added: “The whole extended family was there. I had a chat with his dad, a nice person. He, too, was surprised by the warmth of those who had waited for Lewis at the edge of the track.”
Hamilton’s adjustment to his new surroundings hit a minor roadbump this week when he crashed a 2023 Ferrari on the third day of testing.
The crash, in which he escaped unhurt, was described as minor with Ferrari not worried by the issue.
Hamilton took to social media on Friday to reassure fans of his wellbeing and expressed his excitement over the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
He posted a picture of himself draped in Ferrari attire alongside the caption: “First race can’t come soon enough.”
lewis hamilton instagramHamilton allayed any fan fears with an Instagram post on Thursday[/caption]
Hamilton also provided a series of photos from his opening days with Ferrari.
The Brit is bidding to win a record eighth F1 drivers’ championship this year and a first since 2020.
Hamilton is seeking a record eighth F1 drivers’ championship this year with Ferrari and will fancy his chances after a frustrating spell racing in a Mercedes car lacking any title-winning credentials.
His first step to glory begins in Australia on March 14-16.