Why Lewis Hamilton steered clear of photographers during Bahrain test testing after joining Ferrari

03/01/2025 02:40 PM

Lewis Hamilton might have to swap his signature pre-race fashion statements for Ferrari-branded gear at every Grand Prix this season. The seven-time world champion, known for arriving at the F1 paddock in his own distinctive outfits during his Mercedes tenure, could now be bound by Ferrari's strict sponsorship policies, which require drivers to prominently display team logos upon track entry. Even Hamilton, one of the most influential figures in motorsport, doesn't appear to be exempt from this rule.

This week, Hamilton officially stepped into his Ferrari career, completing his first test sessions in red. Both he and Charles Leclerc secured top-three positions in the overall lap times, though neither driver pushed for outright dominance during the low-profile final day of testing. The 40-year-old has been steadily reaching key milestones, from his first drive in a Ferrari F1 car back in January to appearing in full race attire at the SF-75 launch just weeks later. Now, with testing concluded, his attention shifts to making a strong debut with the Scuderia at the Australian Grand Prix. Hamilton has reportedly been studying the early Ferrari successes of past champions like Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, both of whom secured victories within their first two starts for the team.

Despite the enormous publicity surrounding Hamilton's move to Ferrari, the Maranello-based squad is keen to keep distractions to a minimum. Team principal Fred Vasseur is focused on ensuring Hamilton fully adapts to his new environment, emphasizing performance over spectacle.

Kym Illman Reveals Hamilton's Stealthy Approach to Testing: 'He Moved Behind a Barrier'

F1 photographer Kym Illman shed light on Hamilton's low-profile strategy during testing, revealing that the British driver made a conscious effort to stay out of the media spotlight. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Illman noted that the British driver, particularly on Friday, was "hard to find" and even physically positioned himself behind a barrier to avoid photographers.

One notable moment captured Hamilton deep in conversation with Carlos Sainz, as the Drive to Survive production team hovered nearby with microphones. The two drivers ultimately decided to continue their discussion in private, away from the cameras. While Hamilton did participate in the mandatory press conference—resulting in a few widely circulated images—most other photos from testing show him either in full helmet gear or actively shielding his face.

Illman attributed Lewis Hamilton's elusive behavior to his intense focus. With 105 Grand Prix victories to his name, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion understands the importance of shutting out distractions, especially during such a critical transition in his career. As he gears up for his first official race in Ferrari colors, it's clear that his priority is performance—not publicity.

Kym Illman shared that he had spoken with a member of Lewis Hamilton's management team and inquired whether the driver would continue wearing his signature fashionable outfits upon arriving at the track this season. The response he received was clear: their focus was solely on racing.

Illman observed that throughout the week, Hamilton had exclusively worn Ferrari team apparel. On Friday morning, he appeared to have arrived at the circuit unusually early, making it difficult to spot him for the rest of the day.

The Australian entrepreneur, F1 Photographer and YouTuber suggested that if Hamilton refrained from wearing his usual fashion pieces on the opening day of the Australian Grand Prix, it would likely indicate a commitment to Ferrari-branded attire for the entire season. Photographing the seven-time world champion had proven particularly challenging, as there were very few images of him without a helmet or with his face fully visible. Kym Illman managed to capture one picture by sheer luck, but shortly afterward, Hamilton positioned himself behind a barrier, seemingly signaling that he wanted no further photos taken.

In Kym Illman's view, the British driver was entirely focused on winning the championship.

Lewis Hamilton Faces a Reality Check: Where Ferrari Stands Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix

As the F1 season opener approaches, speculation is mounting over Ferrari's true position in the competitive order—and the early verdict may not be what Lewis Hamilton hoped for. The seven-time world champion has stepped into a team under intense scrutiny, and recent developments suggest the road to success could be steeper than anticipated.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann made a rare appearance in the team's garage during testing, drawing significant attention. While his visit highlighted the importance Ferrari is placing on the upcoming season, it may not have worked in Hamilton's favor. His every move is already under the spotlight, and Elkann's presence only intensified the focus.

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok noted that such high-level interest from Ferrari's leadership hasn't been seen since they signed Michael Schumacher in 1996, underlining just how pivotal Hamilton's arrival is. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc may be quietly benefitting from having less of the media circus directed at him.

Despite occasional glimpses of strong performance, Ferrari's overall standing remains uncertain. The prevailing sentiment in the paddock suggests that while the team has potential, they are not yet a match for McLaren, let alone Red Bull.

According to inside sources, Ferrari currently ranks fourth in the pecking order, trailing behind Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. If this prediction holds, Hamilton could face the frustrating reality of starting the Australian Grand Prix as low as seventh or eighth—a scenario that would be far from the dream debut he envisioned in red.

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