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 is poised to link up with Ferrari for the first time next week following his move from Mercedes for the F1 2025 season. Report: Lewis Hamilton to drive Ferrari F1-75 car

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.

Hamilton's first official Ferrari outing will come at the Sakhir circuit test in late February. Meanwhile, the seven-time champion's race debut for the Scuderia will be at the Australian Grand Prix in March. Click here to purchase the replica Ferrari baseball cap so you can rep the Scuderia just in time for Hamilton’s arrival!

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.

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.