Lewis Hamilton said he is realising his dream and starting a “new era” for Ferrari as he arrived at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia.

The seven-time world champion posted a picture of himself standing in front of a Ferrari car at the team’s renowned base in northern Italy.

Hamilton, who announced his move to Ferrari after 12 seasons and six drivers’ championship wins at Mercedes ahead of the 2024 campaign, was greeted by team principal Fred Vasseur and chief executive Benedetto Vigna before meeting with various departments.

“There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.

“Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”

Hamilton will be alongside team-mate Charles Leclerc for the Formula One season launch event at the O2 Arena on February 18, before Ferrari unveil their 2025 challenger the following day.

His first race for Ferrari will be at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.

The British driver finished seventh in the championship in his final season for Mercedes, with Ferrari losing out on the constructors’ championship to McLaren at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.