Ferrari pay tribute to Lewis Hamilton with special 2025 F1 car launch date
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Lewis Hamilton is now just a month away from making his highly anticipated debut as a Ferrari driver on the Formula 1 grid.
The seven-time world champion has already immersed himself in the Maranello outfit's operations, undergoing intensive testing ahead of the 2025 season. His first taste of Ferrari machinery came in January at Fiorano, where he drove the SF-23 in front of thousands of passionate Tifosi. The excitement surrounding his arrival was so overwhelming that the mayor of Maranello declared a state of emergency to assist the police in managing the massive crowds and traffic congestion in the area.
While Hamilton's Fiorano run was a public spectacle, his private test in Barcelona was shrouded in secrecy, conducted behind closed doors. However, despite the lack of visibility, the 40-year-old still managed to dominate the headlines—this time for an unexpected reason.
During his outing at the Montmelo circuit, Hamilton suffered a crash at Turn 12, significantly damaging the SF-23. The extent of the damage forced Ferrari to cancel Charles Leclerc's scheduled test session, an unfortunate consequence of the incident. However, former F1 team manager and analyst Peter Windsor believes Lewis Hamilton's crash should actually be seen as a positive, suggesting that it reflects his growing confidence with the car and the team. The Briton is determined to make his Ferrari tenure a success, especially after a frustrating conclusion to his time at Mercedes.
Ferrari to Unveil the SF-25 on Enzo Ferrari's Birthday – February 20th
With the start of the new season fast approaching, anticipation is building for the official unveiling of Hamilton's first Ferrari, the SF-25. Ferrari will be aiming to reclaim the constructors' championship after narrowly missing out to McLaren in 2024, finishing just 14 points behind.
The team is set to take a bold approach with its 2025 challenger, making significant suspension modifications despite an impending regulation overhaul in 2026. While a dramatic shift in components might seem risky, early indications suggest the gamble could yield strong results.
According to Martin Brundle, Ferrari appears to have made greater progress than McLaren over the winter break—a promising sign for Hamilton, who is eager to secure an eighth world title.
Ferrari's new livery will be revealed at the sport's launch event, F175, set to take place at London's O2 Arena on February 18th. This will mark Lewis Hamilton's first official public appearance as a Ferrari driver. The following day, the SF-25 will hit the track for its first shakedown at Fiorano before being formally unveiled on February 20th—Enzo Ferrari's birthday.
Italian journalist and Formula 1 expert Piergiuseppe Donadoni confirmed the special launch date, posting on X (formerly Twitter): "The SF-25 will thus be officially presented on the day of birth (recorded in the registry office on 20/02/1898) of Enzo Ferrari." For Hamilton, this marks yet another significant honor as he prepares for his first season in red.
Can Lewis Hamilton Gain the Upper Hand Over Charles Leclerc at Ferrari?
Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari sets up one of the most fascinating intra-team battles on the grid. The Briton faces a major challenge in 2025, going head-to-head with Charles Leclerc, a driver deeply embedded in the Maranello squad since his days in the Ferrari Driver Academy. The Monégasque is regarded as one of the strongest qualifiers in F1, making him a formidable opponent.
Initially, Hamilton may find himself on the back foot as he adapts to Ferrari's unique characteristics. Additionally, he will be at a disadvantage throughout the season due to testing restrictions—having already reached his 1,000km limit in Fiorano and Barcelona, he is now ineligible for further TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) sessions.
Charles Leclerc's raw speed, particularly over a single lap, has been widely praised, with Pirelli noting his exceptional performance during the first lap in Abu Dhabi in 2024. For the British driver, who struggled with tire management at Mercedes last season, this could pose a challenge.
However, Lewis Hamilton's wealth of experience and status in the sport could give him a crucial psychological edge. With seven world titles to his name, he may find himself shielded from internal criticism, whereas Leclerc—who has yet to secure a championship—will face mounting pressure to prove himself.
F1 veteran Eddie Jordan has already warned Charles Leclerc to be on high alert, advising him to "get on his bike" early if he wants to assert dominance over Hamilton in 2025. The Briton will be fully motivated from the outset, and if Charles Leclerc hopes to maintain his status as Ferrari's lead driver, he will need to bring his absolute best to the fight.
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