Lewis Hamilton will reportedly stay at the former house of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari when he moves to Maranello over the winter, becoming just the second driver to do so after fellow seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher.
When Hamilton completes the transition from life at Mercedes to Ferrari after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is finished and all farewell media duties are complete, he will need to move closer to the team factory in Maranello to form relationships with his new engineers and mechanics.
According to Italian F1 commentator Carlo Vanzini, plans are already being made, and a move-in date at Ferrari has already been set. However, this is currently ‘top secret’ information.
The Brit will also get the privilege of staying in the home of the legendary automotive company’s founder, Enzo, with only Schumacher having stayed there in the past. This will allow Hamilton to base himself in close proximity to the Maranello factory.
Many concerns have been raised about how Hamilton will adapt to life in Italy. The 39-year-old has driven for two British constructors during his glittering F1 career to date, so this will be his first move into a non-English-speaking country.
“It would be very interesting to see how Lewis acclimatises to the life of Ferrari,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told talkSport. “He’s obviously coming out of a very comfortable environment, one that he knows very well over the last… more than 10 years.”
However, his current team boss Toto Wolff has no concerns. “I think many people say that it’s going to be really difficult. But I think if you say it’s going to be really difficult, then often it’s the opposite.
“Ferrari is a great team, great people, lots of emotion and passion and therefore it’s pressure. But I believe they are going to find a way of working with each other.”
Considering the current trajectory of the team, there is plenty for Hamilton to get excited about next season. Ferrari have won three of the last six Grand Prix ahead of the race in Las Vegas next weekend and at least one of their drivers has been on the podium in six of the last eight.
Mercedes, meanwhile, are struggling. Despite a glorious stretch of results in the middle portion of the campaign, the Silver Arrows have been unable to kick on. They have achieved just one podium in seven races since crossing the finish line in a one-two formation at Spa-Francorchamps in July.