Lewis Hamilton says 'first day at Ferrari is the start of a new era'

“I've been lucky enough to achieve things in my career that I never thought were possible, but a part of me has always held on to the dream of racing in red. I couldn't be happier to be able to realize that dream today.

“Today, we begin a new era in the history of this iconic franchise, and I can’t wait to see what stories we will write together.”

Hamilton will spend the first day meeting key people and getting to know the factory and team.

Ferrari said he, along with team owner Frederic Vasseur and CEO Benedetto Vigna, visited “the Fiorano residence and pit garage, including a tour of the famous offices where (founder) Enzo Ferrari will watch his team Work” .

The statement added: “Hamilton then returned to Scuderia Ferrari headquarters, where he met with the management team and (vice-chairman) Piero Ferrari before embarking on a one-day full immersion program, visiting all the various departments to get to know the team.

“Work will continue tomorrow with more technical meetings and briefings to prepare for the busy season ahead.”

The Briton is expected to drive the 2023 F1 car at Ferrari's Fiorano test track later this week and complete a few more days of testing in Barcelona ahead of the launch of the 2025 Ferrari on February 19. He may also try out the 2025 car in the team's simulator.

The 2023 car is the latest car Hamilton has been allowed to drive under F1 testing restrictions.

One of the differences he will have to adapt to is that this will be the first time in Hamilton's 18-year F1 career that he will be driving a car that does not use a Mercedes engine.

F1's official pre-season testing will be held in Bahrain from February 26 to 28, with Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc participating in three days of testing.

Vassell said Hamilton faced the “challenge” of getting up to speed in the short time before the Australian season starts on March 14-16.

“It won't be easy but he comes with experience,” Vasseur told Ferrari's Christmas lunch last month. “But he's not Rookie of the Year and I'm not worried about that at all.”

Hamilton will have a place to live in Italy to help him integrate into Ferrari, which is considered the national team.

Hamilton and Ferrari will join the other teams at the official F1 launch at London's O2 Arena on February 18, before returning to Italy the next day for Ferrari's new car launch.