Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community. Announced in February, the move has not only shuffled the driver market but also stirred intense speculation about its implications. After 12 successful seasons with Mercedes, during which he claimed six of his seven world championships, Hamilton aims to cement his legacy by pursuing an eighth title with Ferrari. Such a victory would elevate him to unparalleled status in the sport’s history.
Beyond the on-track developments, Hamilton’s departure poses challenges for Mercedes off the grid as well. Reports suggest that along with losing their star driver, the team may also see several key sponsors, long associated with Hamilton, following him to Ferrari. This potential shift could have significant commercial implications, further underscoring the magnitude of Hamilton’s decision as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Will Hamilton Bring Mercedes’ Sponsors To Ferrari?
According to reports from Autoracer.it, Lewis Hamilton is expected to officially begin his journey with Ferrari in late January. His arrival in Emilia will start his integration into the iconic team. Ferrari has planned a detailed introduction for Hamilton, documenting his factory visit and interactions with key personnel across various departments. This event will likely focus on familiarizing Hamilton with his new surroundings, with no immediate public statements expected from the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton’s first on-track experience with Ferrari is set to occur at the team’s home circuit in Fiorano. Depending on the training program designed by the team, he is slated to drive one of Ferrari’s recent ground-effect cars, either the F1-75 from 2022 or the SF-23 from 2023. Both options comply with current regulations, allowing Ferrari engineers to tailor the session for the 39-year-old driver.
The British star brings an array of sponsors from his tenure at Mercedes, including IWC, Monster Energy Drinks, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Sony. Reports suggest that Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Monster Energy will continue their association with Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025. Additionally, Hamilton may introduce his personal non-alcoholic beverage brand, Almave, at Ferrari. Backed by Pernod Ricard, the French wine and spirits giant, Hamilton plans to leverage the company’s global distribution network and branding expertise to expand Almave’s reach during his stint with the Italian team.
Ferrari Chief Confirms Hamilton’s Date Of Arrival
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed confidence in Lewis Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly to his new environment. Vasseur emphasized that Hamilton’s vast experience in Formula 1 eliminates the need for extensive adaptation. He believes the seven-time world champion will perform well from the outset, relying on his natural talent and familiarity with high-pressure scenarios. Ferrari plans to include one or two Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions to prepare Hamilton for the upcoming season, followed by preseason testing in Bahrain. Vasseur says this schedule should provide sufficient preparation for the veteran driver.
The team also integrates Hamilton into its long-term strategies for the 2025 season. Efforts are already underway to align Hamilton with Ferrari’s communication, testing plans, and overall approach for the future. However, Vasseur clarified that the current race team remains fully focused on the ongoing season, ensuring a seamless transition without disrupting the team’s present objectives.