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3 keys to understand the Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari era in Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton, the British driver, officially joined Ferrari’s Formula 1 team and started an intensive training program at the team’s headquarters.

Por: Karla Sofía Espinoza
lewis-hamilton-maranello FERRARI FORMULA 1
Lewis Hamilton posed next to an F40, with Enzo Ferrari's house in the background / Photo Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton debuted as a Scuderia Ferrari driver at an official presentation in Maranello, Italy. Fans and photographers took hundreds of photos of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion during the ceremony.

 

The British driver posed next to an F40, with Enzo Ferrari’s house in the background. But there was more to the event than just taking pictures and posting on social media. Hamilton met with the company’s management team and Piero Ferrari, visited the Fiorano test track, and toured several departments as part of an “immersion program.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari HQ
Hamilton toured several departments as part of an "immersion program" / Photo F1 website

Over the next few days, Hamilton will test Ferrari’s single-seater car to get used to the engine, seat, steering wheel, and brakes. He will also meet with the team’s engineering team.

 

Here are some important things about this new partnership in Formula 1.

1. Closer to championship

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari fans
Hamilton's first day on the job was covered by the media and fans turned out to see it. /Photo Formula 1 web

Hamilton hasn’t been named world champion since 2020, but he’s on track to become the most winning driver in history. He’s about to win another championship, and what better way to do it than with the legendary team of the prancing horse?

 

Last year, Ferrari won five races, while Hamilton’s previous team, Mercedes, won two. Last year’s cars are the same ones this year, except for Ferrari, which has already said its car will be 95% new. On February 19, Ferrari is going to make a big announcement about its new single-seater.

 

If the Italian brand’s car does well this year and any engineering problems are worked out, then Hamilton’s chances of an eighth championship in 2026 will be better.

2. The check for millions

Although the figures have not yet been made clear, Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Scuderia Ferrari is estimated to be for 3 years for around $60 million per year, a figure that does not include bonuses. It is estimated that it could reach 100 million per year.

 

Why only three years? Hamilton is already crossing 40 years of age so his active life in Formula 1 is on the decline.

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3. A dream come true with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has driven for McLaren and Mercedes, but any driver who says he doesn’t dream of being behind the wheel of a Ferrari is lying.

 

“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,” Hamilton posted on his Instagram account. “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.”

 

If you found this note about Hamilton and Ferrari interesting, share it. Check out this article about the Ferrari F80 and other articles in Active and Discover.

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