Lewis Hamilton arrived in the dark of morning on his first day at Ferrari’s Maranello factory promising a ‘new era in the history of this iconic team’.
He met key figures including his new race engineer Riccardo Adami, who fulfilled the same role for his predecessor Carlos Sainz, as he immersed himself in his new setting.
Hamilton also posed outside founder Enzo Ferrari’s trackside office for the official unveiling picture. He wore a dark suit and an overcoat worn like a cape for the long-prepared image in front of a Ferrari F40.
Some fans suggested the picture deliberately showed seven windows and one door – as if a metaphor for the eighth world title he craves. Ferrari deny this.
Taking to Instagram, Hamilton said: ‘There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those.
‘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.
Lewis Hamilton was seen entering Ferrari’s facilities at Maranello for the first time on Monday
He greeted Ferrari’s staff members on Sunday and also completed some work in the simulator
Fans gathered outside Maranello to get a glimpse of the seven-time World Drivers’ champion
Hamilton will debut as Charles Leclerc’s team-mate at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16
Hamilton could drive for Ferrari for the first time on Wednesday, subject to weather conditions
‘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.’
Hamilton was given a tour of the factory by team principal Fred Vasseur and was greeted by Ferrari president John Elkann and vice-chairman son of Enzo, Piero Ferrari.
The new boy, aged 40, is expected to drive in a private test in Fiorano on Wednesday.