Lewis Hamilton SMASHES F1 record in first Ferrari appearance

Ferrari, Hamilton, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton SMASHES F1 record in first Ferrari appearance

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut has set social media alight

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Saturday 25 January 2025 20:00

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has set a new record with his debut for the team, before even stepping foot in the team's 2025 car.

The British driver has been in pursuit of an all-time record eighth drivers' title since 2021, when he was cruelly denied by a mixture of Max Verstappen and Michael Masi.

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However, Hamilton will have tough competition if Ferrari provide a race winning car, with Charles Leclerc also in the hunt for his first drivers’ title in F1.

The Monegasque driver has already enjoyed eight wins with Ferrari, three of which were achieved last year, including an iconic home win around the streets of Monte Carlo and a Monza victory.

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The moment was captured in an iconic selfie with Leclerc and the crowd behind him, a post that garnered a staggering 4.1 million likes on Instagram, the most likes of any F1 post at the time.

However, Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has promptly smashed that record with the picture of the champion outside of Maranello racking up 5.5 million likes.

The 40-year-old’s arrival at Ferrari did not disappoint, with Hamilton not only meeting the team but donning his red racesuit for the first time.

Hamilton also took part in a test around their private Fiorano circuit on Wednesday, where he completed his first Ferrari laps in their 2023 car the SF-23.

The next glimpse of Hamilton in a Ferrari will be for further test days at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on January 28, 29 and 30.

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Formula 1 Charles Leclerc