Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will make his eagerly-anticipated arrival on the group’s F1 base subsequent week.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has joined Ferrari from rivals Mercedes within the greatest driver switch in F1 historical past.
The transfer despatched shockwaves across the paddock when it was introduced final February and the partnership of F1’s most well-known group and the game’s most profitable driver has been an enormous speaking level over the previous 12 months.
Amid the hype and frenzy surrounding Hamilton’s first public look at Ferrari, experiences in Italian media have slated Monday 20 January because the day the 40-year-old Briton will first seem on the group’s Maranello headquarters.
Hamilton is then anticipated to drive an older Ferrari automotive later within the week to assist along with his assimilation into his new group.
Talking at a press convention in Milan presenting a partnership between Ferrari and UniCredit, Vigna wouldn’t be drawn on actual dates, however confirmed Hamilton’s Maranello debut would happen subsequent week.
“There may be loads of pleasure, an excellent want to start,” Vigna stated. “Lewis might be with us at Ferrari subsequent week. We’re making ready the final issues.
“There may be loads of expectation, we’re prepared for nearly every little thing. We’ll be certain that every little thing is in place. Modifications are at all times stunning.”
Chaos predicted at Maranello amid ‘Hamilton mania’
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari as been tipped to trigger chaos on the streets on Maranello.
Italian journalist Roberto Chincero says a “Hamilton mania” has already begun within the nation forward of his arrival, which he believes would require a heavy police presence to handle massive crowds which might be anticipated to assemble on the streets close to Ferrari’s headquarters.
“A type of Hamilton mania has already began in Italy,” Chinchero informed the James Allen on F1 podcast.
“For the reason that New Yr started, there’s a large query mark that Italian Ferrari followers try to reply – when will the primary take a look at of Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari automotive happen?
“I can’t think about the variety of those who might be across the observe. I’m anticipating the Maranello and Fiorano streets might be full of folks.
“I’m anticipating one thing that we haven’t seen in years. So will probably be laborious work for the police in Maranello.
“However I’m not shocked. All of the nationwide media, not solely the sports activities media, are giving loads of area to the person Lewis Hamilton.
“The mainstream is telling you who’s Lewis, his ardour and curiosity, the story of his profession and his want to finish this profession driving a Ferrari.”
