Lewis Hamilton took to LinkedIn to post his first message as a Ferrari driver, inspiring fans by encouraging them to ‘embrace new opportunities’, citing that ‘reinvention is powerful’ after ending his Mercedes partnership.
The seven-time world champion’s contract with Ferrari started in the new year, and Hamilton now faces a long off-season of TPC days at the Fiorano track in Maranello as he settles into his new home after over a decade at Brackley with Mercedes.
Hamilton is ready for the challenge, too. Writing on LinkedIn on Thursday, he posted: “I could not be more excited for the year ahead. Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on.
“To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you’re switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful.
“Your next opportunity is always within reach. Here’s to 2025—a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember. Andiamo.”
The legendary Brit has a unique opportunity in 2025 as he looks to bring Ferrari their first World Championship since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. The Prancing Horse narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ Championship crown last year and head into the new campaign as one of the favourites.
If Hamilton is to fend off the likes of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen to claim his record-breaking eighth Drivers’ Championship title, he will need to rediscover his qualifying form and beat formidable new team-mate Charles Leclerc.
The Monegasque racer only finished outside the top five on three occasions in 2024, and his three Grand Prix victories in Monaco, Monza and Austin served as statements of intent for 2025.
However, while Leclerc will be Hamilton’s fiercest competition, the 27-year-old also looks forward to collaborating with the seven-time world champion when they team up in Maranello this winter. “When a champion like Lewis gets to any team, it brings a lot of motivation out of every single person,” he explained.
“He will come along with all the experience that he’s had over the years with Mercedes – a different way of working, a different vision – and this is always benefitting a team.” He went on to add: “Obviously, for me, it’s going to be amazing because I’ll have in the same car as me the most successful driver in F1 history.
“That will be both extremely interesting for me to learn from one of the best ever, as well as a really big challenge and motivation to beat Lewis and to show what I’m capable of. With Lewis joining the team, he will definitely be a benchmark so it will be very important for me to be on my top level.”