Why Maranello mayor declares emergency ahead of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari F1 run at Fiorano
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Lewis Hamilton has officially arrived at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters, marking the commencement of his preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season. This moment signals the start of what Hamilton envisions as a remarkable final phase of his illustrious F1 career.
As expected, Hamilton's first day at Ferrari was filled with introductions and meetings. After reconnecting with Fred Vasseur, who had been his team principal in the lower racing categories, Hamilton met with several members of Ferrari’s senior management. This included Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari's CEO, and Piero Ferrari, the company’s vice-chairman and son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari. Following these discussions, Hamilton toured the various departments within the Maranello facility.
The highlight of the week will undoubtedly be Hamilton's first test with the team. Fans are eagerly awaiting the moment when they will finally see the seven-time world champion behind the wheel of Ferrari's iconic red cars.
Under current regulations, Ferrari has the option to use either the 2022 or 2023 car for this initial test. There is also a possibility that Hamilton will get the chance to drive the 2025 car before the official pre-season test in Bahrain at the end of next month.
While the Maranello team has not yet confirmed when Lewis Hamilton's first test at the Fiorano track will take place, it seems likely that he will begin by using the team's simulator. This cautious approach would allow him to familiarize himself with the car before hitting the team’s home track.
In a related development, the mayor of Maranello has declared a state of emergency following the overwhelming influx of fans eager to see Hamilton in action. According to F1-Insider, the mayor has requested additional police support from nearby areas to handle the crowds. The main concern is managing the traffic in the small town, which has been swamped by fans following one of the most significant driver transfers in F1 history.
Local hotels are reportedly fully booked, and to alleviate some of the pressure, Ferrari is keeping Lewis Hamilton's test schedule under wraps. This decision is intended to prevent fans from gathering at Fiorano prematurely.
Earlier this week, Ferrari unveiled the first official image of Hamilton as a team driver, featuring him alongside his favorite supercar, the Ferrari F40, in front of Enzo Ferrari's residence. The image quickly garnered massive attention, with nearly five million likes on Instagram as of this writing.
The excitement surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has only grown, with former F1 champion Damon Hill commenting on the post, saying, "There it is, the beginning." Hamilton is now focused on securing an unprecedented eighth world title with the Scuderia. Meanwhile, McLaren's Lando Norris expressed his admiration for Hamilton by calling him a "don," remarking on his sharp appearance in a suit and overcoat rather than the usual team gear.
The Italian side is set to officially launch their 2025 season on February 19, one day after the F175 event in London. The team will unveil their new livery at the O2, joining the other nine F1 teams in the annual pre-season festivities.
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