Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have enjoyed a cordial start to life as Ferrari team-mates, but it remains to be seen how racing against each other will affect their relationship

Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has reportedly divided opinion amongst Ferrari’s Tifosi with expectations for either a “dream team” or a “not easy” period for Charles Leclerc. Hamilton is racing in red this season having signed a multi-year contract to become Leclerc’s newest Ferrari team-mate.

Lewis Hamilton “knew in his head” he wanted to drive for Ferrari one day as far back as 2004, according to team principal Fred Vasseur. Hamilton and Vasseur have known each other since Hamilton’s junior racing days,

Italian journalist Roberto Chincero says a “Hamilton mania” has already begun in the country ahead of the 40-year-old Briton’s arrival, which he believes will require a heavy police presence to manage large crowds that are expected to gather on the streets near Ferrari’s headquarters.

Ferrari have denied Lewis Hamilton "special" treatment over Charles Leclerc ahead of his first test of the F1 2025 season at Fiorano.

The first time Hamilton dons the famous red Ferrari colors and gets behind the wheel of one of its F1 cars will be the moment he has longed for throughout his career. It is also set to be a relatively low-key event.

After a distinguished 12-year tenure with Mercedes, where he secured seven World Championships and 105 Grand Prix wins, Hamilton has switched teams for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Lewis Hamilton has been warned about the impacts of his popularity, as he gets set to make his Ferrari debut. Hamilton's stunning move to Maranello sees a partnership between the most successful driver of all time and the most iconic and successful team in Formula 1 history.