Lewis Hamilton’s impending debut outing in a Ferrari Formula 1 car is reported to have triggered “a state of emergency” as people descend on Maranello to view the occasion.
The most anticipated driver move since Michael Schumacher donned the red overalls will gain more traction as Hamilton gets behind the wheel of a Ferrari machine.
The Briton’s pre-season preparations with his new team began earlier this week as he got acquainted with the team-mates that he hopes will help him win a record eighth title.
Hamilton was photographed outside Enzo’s Ferrari iconic house alongside current team boss Frederic Vasseur, Chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna.
The seven-time F1 champion, who ended his illustrious Mercedes partnership to embark on a new venture at Ferrari, called his initial 2025 visit to the hallowed ground a “dream”.
Hamilton was also pictured visiting the various departments at Ferrari’s Maranello base prior to conducting a simulator session to build to his showing in an actual vehicle.
Having then stopped to sign autographs outside, Hamilton is set to attract even more spectators amid the expectation that he will drive a Ferrari around the Fiorano test track.
The Italian marque is believed to have prepared the 2022 F1-75 and 2023 SF-23, both cars which adhere to the rules of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme.
Regardless, Hamilton’s opening laps in a Ferrari will be a landmark moment that has created a huge commotion as hotels in the Sassuolo area have become “fully booked”.
According to Motorsport.com, police have imposed “stricter security measures” around Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters and the side’s neighbouring Fiorano venue.
That report aligns with F1-Insider’s claim that a “state of emergency” has prevailed amid Luigi Zironi, the Maranello Mayor, calling on surrounding towns for assistance.
How to view Hamilton’s debut Ferrari outing
Ferrari has long elected to grant both permanent drivers time in previous cars to get back up to speed prior to the launch and shakedown of its latest scarlet machine.
Alongside Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, entering his sixth season with Ferrari, has been present in the area and is expected to take over driving duties from his team-mate.
People in the region will be able to stand at renowned vantage points to watch both drivers in action, including one which shows the main straight and the first three corners.
That has become known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ in the public domain thanks to established Italian reporter Leo Turrini, who gave the bike path that distinguished title.
Meanwhile, Via Marsala is a residential road on a cul-de-sac which enables spectators to see the final corner of the 2.97km venue.
Furthermore, Sky Sports in Italy is expected to broadcast the entire occasion to mark Hamilton’s historic opening run with F1’s most storied squad.
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