Lewis Hamilton’s mega move to Ferrari in 2025: what we know so far about the multi-year contract and early preparations
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has officially set the stage for a monumental shift in his illustrious career by signing a multi-year contract with Ferrari starting in 2025
While Ferrari has confirmed the deal, many contract details have emerged, especially from Italian media reports, which — although not all verified — have ignited excitement across the global motorsport community.
Multi-year commitment: Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 2025 contract details
Ferrari announced that Hamilton will join the team on a "multi-year contract," with several sources suggesting a deal spanning three years. Early reports indicate a 2 + 1 contract structure, guaranteeing Hamilton’s presence for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with an option for a third year.
According to insiders, Hamilton’s base salary is expected to be around £80 million ($97 million) annually. Additionally, Ferrari is reportedly investing heavily in Hamilton’s off-track ventures, pledging approximately £300 million ($364 million) in support of his Mission 44 charity initiative.
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann is said to have played a key role in securing Hamilton’s signature, leveraging a strong off-track relationship with the driver. Rumors also swirl about a potential ambassadorial role for Hamilton with Ferrari post-retirement, though these remain unconfirmed.
Early days in red: Lewis Hamilton first Ferrari test laps and integration into the team
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari is already underway. On January 20, 2025, Hamilton made his first visit to Maranello—the heart of Scuderia Ferrari—marking a celebrated milestone in his career change. Hamilton called this visit "one of the best feelings of my life" on social media.
Just days later, Hamilton completed his first laps in Ferrari’s SF-23 car at the Fiorano track. After an installation lap on wet tires during a foggy morning session, he moved on to slick tire testing, completing 30 laps total. Reflecting on this milestone, Hamilton said,
“I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win, and championship. Driving a Scuderia Ferrari car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
Later in the week, Hamilton ran a private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Despite a minor crash on the second day, Ferrari downplayed the incident, framing it as part of his adaptation process to the new car and team environment.
Due to FIA’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) rules, Hamilton’s private testing mileage is limited to 1000km total. To compensate, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has promised ample simulator time and is considering additional filming or demonstration days to maximize Hamilton’s familiarity with the car before the 2025 pre-season.
New working environment: Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s team culture and engineering
Joining Ferrari entails more than just a new car—Hamilton must also acclimate to Ferrari’s unique team culture, communication style, and operational dynamics. Known for his professionalism, Hamilton has already held extensive meetings with key team figures including principal Fred Vasseur (an acquaintance from junior racing days), deputy principal Jérôme d’Ambrosio, and his new race engineer Riccardo Adami, who previously worked with Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel.
Leaving behind a 12-year partnership with Mercedes engineer Pete Bonnington, Hamilton will now build his working relationship with the Ferrari technical team. Off-track, Hamilton is also expected to engage in extensive promotional activities as Ferrari seeks to maximize the commercial impact of his arrival.
Can Lewis Hamilton win a championship with Ferrari? Analyzing the 2025 prospects
The pressing question for fans worldwide: can Lewis Hamilton add to his seven Formula 1 World Championships by winning with Ferrari? Hamilton pursued an eighth world title at Mercedes but now clearly believes Ferrari offers his best shot at reclaiming the championship crown.
Ferrari enters 2025 coming off a strong 2024 campaign, finishing just 14 points shy of the Constructors’ Championship. This progress is significant compared to their 454-point gap to Red Bull in 2023. Sustaining this momentum will be key to Hamilton’s title ambitions.
A major factor will be the dynamic with teammate Charles Leclerc, one of the sport’s brightest young stars. How Hamilton and Leclerc mesh will significantly influence Ferrari’s success in 2025.
Hamilton’s qualifying pace—once a cornerstone of his dominance—will need to return to top form after signs of decline in recent years. However, his late-season 2024 race performances suggest he remains a formidable contender on race day.
Ferrari’s drivers’ championship drought and Hamilton’s legacy ambitions
Hamilton arrives at Ferrari amid the Scuderia’s desperate desire to end a long championship drought. Ferrari’s last drivers’ title was secured by Kimi Räikkönen in 2007. Now, Hamilton aims to restore Ferrari’s glory and secure his legacy alongside the team’s all-time greats.
His move to Ferrari is as much about ambition as legacy. Swapping Mercedes silver for Ferrari red, Hamilton is stepping into new challenges, supported by Ferrari’s substantial investments and his own unwavering dedication.
Can Lewis Hamilton bring championship glory back to Ferrari in 2025 and beyond? Time will tell — but one thing is certain: the entire Formula 1 world will be watching.
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