Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1
Tom Jenkins
The Italian media have already made their verdict on Lewis Hamilton following his first days as a Ferrari driver at Maranello.
Ferrari announced the Brit's arrival at Maranello on Monday with an already iconic image of Hamilton posing in front of Enzo Ferrari's old farmhouse alongside an F40.
Hamilton took to the track for the first time on Wednesday as he drove the Scuderia's 2023 car ahead of a further test in Barcelona next week.
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The 40-year-old has already requested a significant change to his car for 2025 as he looks for a seamless transition to life at his new team.
Despite only arriving at Maranello this week, the Italian media have already made up their mind on Hamilton as he dominates the headlines in Italy.
A feature from Corriere della Sera has described Hamilton as 'the man of destiny' and praised how he has 'obsessively taken care of details and messages' in the months leading up to the move.
Hamilton's choice of attire for his first day at Maranello has also impressed the Italian media, with his tailored suit providing 'an elegance that coincides with respect' for the historic team.
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"For the solemnity of the occasion, for the history that surrounds it, many inside Maranello were surprised when they saw him arrive like that," The Italian outlet wrote.
Hamilton also received praise for taking the time to sign autographs for fans on Monday despite it being traditionally against the rules, however, Hamilton went out of his way to seek approval from John Elkann.
Ferrari's new man also greeted the Tifosi following his first drive on Wednesday and explained the experience took him back to his first-ever F1 test.
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"When I started the car and got out I had the biggest smile on my face," he said.
"It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 single-seater. A special moment, after almost twenty years I felt the same emotions."
Hamilton's Ferrari adventure will get underway for good in March, with the Australian Grand Prix marking the start of the new F1 season.