State of emergency’ declared as Lewis Hamilton mania sweeps….read more
A state of emergency has been declared in Maranello as Lewis Hamilton mania takes over the town, following the seven-time World Champion’s first official day as a Ferrari driver. The excitement surrounding Hamilton’s transition to the Scuderia is palpable, drawing throngs of passionate Tifosi to the iconic town where Ferrari’s headquarters are located.
Monday marked the beginning of Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari, almost a year after he announced his move to the team for the 2025 Formula 1 season. On his first day, Hamilton engaged in various activities, including posing for photographs at the Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari’s house, meeting with team principal Fred Vasseur, and connecting with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami. He also took time to drive Ferrari’s simulator, marking his initial hands-on experience with the team’s technology.
However, the biggest draw for fans was Hamilton himself. In addition to his official duties, he took part in signing autographs and interacting with the large number of Tifosi who came to see him. This moment of intense excitement is reminiscent of the fervor that surrounded Michael Schumacher’s move to Ferrari in 1995, signaling a new chapter in Ferrari’s racing history. Fans have flocked to Maranello in hopes of catching a glimpse of Hamilton, with some hoping to witness him driving the F1-75 during his debut test at the team’s private Fiorano circuit.
The influx of fans has caused significant disruption, as the streets of Maranello have been overwhelmed by visitors. In response, the town’s mayor, Luigi Zironi, has requested help from neighboring towns to manage the crowd and provide support for the increased demand on local services. Hotels in the nearby Sassuolo area are reportedly fully booked, and security measures around Ferrari’s headquarters and the Fiorano circuit have been tightened to ensure the safety and order of the event.
This level of excitement and anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s Ferrari debut is unlike anything seen in recent years, creating a buzz comparable to when Schumacher switched from Benetton to Ferrari. The frenzy has put Maranello into a standstill, with the town’s infrastructure struggling to cope with the surge of visitors.
Hamilton is scheduled to test Ferrari’s 2022 car, the F1-75, at the Fiorano circuit on Wednesday. His new teammate, Charles Leclerc, will also be participating in the test. For fans in the area, there are two designated viewing spots to catch a glimpse of the action: the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ and Via Marsala.
With the state of emergency in effect, it is clear that the excitement around Hamilton’s new chapter with Ferrari has reached fever pitch, turning Maranello into a hub of Formula 1 excitement and anticipation.
