F1 fans spot 'classy touch' to Lewis Hamilton's first statement at Ferrari HQ that Italian supporters will love

Formula 1 fans have been reacting after seeing Lewis Hamilton's social media post as he begins life as a Ferrari driver.

After 13 successful years racing for Mercedes, Hamilton announced in early 2024 that he would be leaving the Brackley-based team for Ferrari.

From 2025 onwards, the Brit will partner up with Monegasque star Charles Leclerc in the famous Ferrari red.

The pair will look to challenge the likes of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the front of the grid.

On Monday morning, Hamilton was spotted arriving at Ferrari's base in Maranello as he began his first official day with his new team.

As reported by Italian news outlet Auto Racer, Hamilton will have a packed schedule for his first week.

It has been claimed that the 40-year-old will have a session on the simulator before 'many meetings' with Ferrari engineers and employees throughout his first official day.

This has been done in a bid to allow Hamilton to be integrated into the new reality as quickly as possible.

On Wednesday, it has been suggested that the seven-time F1 world champion will do his first test session around the track in Fiorano.

As he began his new chapter, Hamilton took to social media to mark the occasion.

Lewis Hamilton issues first statement after arriving at Ferrari HQ

Posting a picture of him stood next to a classic Ferrari car, Hamilton wrote on his Instagram account: "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. 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."

Hamilton has been praised for putting out a statement in Italian, with will for sure please the majority of Ferrari's passionate fans.

One fan commented: "En ITALIANO!!!! This is SIR Lewis Hamilton."

Another said: "Love that he did it in both English and Italian. What a man."

A third fan added: "That post in Italian is everything."

Speaking to Ferrari, Hamilton added: "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."

The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.