There will be plenty of interesting sub-plots in this year’s Formula 1 season, especially with this being the last campaign before a significant rule change - though none feel quite as momentous as Sir Lewis Hamilton racing for Scuderia Ferrari HP. Of course, the romance is a nice aspect - F1’s most successful driver finally joins its most successful team - but if Hamilton is laser-focused on becoming the first eight-time champ in history, the move to Maranello was arguably the best way to make it happen. And no matter what occurs, it ought to make for gripping television.
That’s to follow; for now, Sir Lewis has completed his first morning at his new job, hopefully with a lovely lunch to follow. He’s had his picture taken with his favourite supercar of all time (always much easier to believe that claim when the car in question is an F40), caught up with his new boss - Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who held the same role at ART GP when Lewis won GP2 in 2006 - and had a tour of Maranello. That included meeting current CEO Bendetto Vigna, a chat with Piero Ferrari and a look, of course, at Enzo’s old house.
Not that there’s much time for nostalgia and lightheartedness, despite a press release that suggests ‘even the weather helped to make Lewis feel at home, with some typically British overcast skies and drizzle.’ After lunch will be a ‘total immersion programme’, getting the lay of the land at Ferrari and meeting key people. Tomorrow comes more technical meetings and briefings as preparations get underway for what will be a very busy season.’ It’s certainly not all classic cars and handmade suits.
Hamilton, of course, is relishing the challenge. “I’m incredibly grateful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, Fred Vasseur and everyone at Ferrari for their trust in me and making me part of this family. I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organisation and the fans. Today we start a new chapter in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.” The eyes of the world will be watching.
