Lewis Hamilton caused quite a stir in Maranello as he made his first-ever visit as a Ferrari driver, with crowds of passionate fans gathering outside the team’s legendary headquarters to welcome their new hero.
The seven-time world champion couldn’t stop smiling as he greeted the excited Tifosi – Ferrari’s famously devoted fans – who’d been waiting for hours just to catch a glimpse of him.
Ferrari’s top brass rolled out the red carpet for Hamilton. Team principal Fred Vasseur, along with company bigwigs John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna, were there to welcome him personally on January 20.
It’s pretty amazing to see Hamilton in Ferrari red after all these years in Mercedes silver.
The scene outside was electric. Fans pressed against barriers, phones held high, trying to snap pictures of the F1 superstar. Hamilton took time to sign autographs and even tried out some Italian phrases – much to the delight of the crowd.
Things got so hectic that Maranello’s mayor, Luigi Zironi, had to call in extra police to help manage the growing crowds.
And it’s not over yet. More fans are expected to show up throughout the week, especially when Hamilton hits the Fiorano test track for the first time in a Ferrari.
Adding to the intrigue, Hamilton’s long-time physiotherapist Angela Cullen has been spotted staying near the track, suggesting she might be part of his new Ferrari journey.
The excitement in Maranello is unlike anything seen in recent years. For many Italian F1 fans, seeing Hamilton in Ferrari colors is a dream they never thought would come true.
