The red-hued streets of Maranello are flooded with fans. Tifosi from all corners of Italy – and far beyond – gather for a glimpse of Lewis Hamilton. For the seven-time world champion, this marks a new chapter in his career, for Ferrari, it’s an opportunity to make the ultimate comeback. But the influx of fans is causing so much commotion that there’s even talk of an ’emergency’.
The Arrival of Hamilton
Monday was the big day: Hamilton officially entered Ferrari territory as the team’s new driver. At Enzo Ferrari’s iconic house, he posed for photos, signed autographs for the loyal tifosi, and met with team principal Frédéric Vasseur and race engineer Riccardo Adami.
The excitement surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is reminiscent of the hysteria that erupted in 1995 when Michael Schumacher joined the Italian team. For many, Hamilton is the man who can bring the legendary Ferrari back to the top.
Maranello Brought to a Standstill
The mayor of Maranello, Luigi Zironi, has sounded the alarm: ‘A state of emergency in Ferrari-land.’ He has requested assistance from neighboring cities to manage the immense influx of fans. According to reports from Italy, all hotels in the vicinity are fully booked, while additional police have been deployed around the factory and the Fiorano test circuit.
Of course, Ferrari fans don’t want to miss a thing. Fans are hoping to catch a glimpse of his first kilometers in a red car. The British driver is reportedly making his first appearance with the 2022 F1-75 today. For the lucky ones near Fiorano, there are two well-known vantage points to witness Lewis Hamilton‘s first laps in a Ferrari. From the “Bridge of Sighs” and Via Marsala, parts of the circuit are visible.
