Lewis Hamilton is all in to sit behind the wheels for Ferrari in the upcoming season. The ace Formula 1 driver decided to make a big switch to the new team from Mercedes last year.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion agreed on a contract with Ferrari for a worth of over $87 million for the 2025 season.
The British driver gears up to don red threads, he will be having number 44 on his car at Ferrari, a number that was a part of his journey during his time with Mercedes as well.
Hamilton disclosed that the number 44 holds a special significance for him, and he has used it consistently ever since the FIA introduced the permanent car numbers in 2014.
Why Lewis Hamilton Chose Number 44
In 2022, Hamilton shared that he chose the number because it holds a great sentimental value and it’s been recognized by his family.
“That’s the number we raced with for many years, and then when I joined Formula One, I had to be whatever the team asked me to be. And then further into my career they then decided to allow the drivers to choose their own number, and that would be their number forever, and I went back to the number where it all started, ” Hamilton said. It’s the number that my family recognized the most; it’s the number that has been loyal to me and to my fans,” he added.
Hamilton’s first Ferrari will be unveiled on February 19, 2025, just after Formula One’s 75th anniversary season launch at London’s The O2.
The number goes back to his early karting days when Hamilton chose 44 as his car number. It was the time when he aspired to become an F1 driver. The 39-year-old once reflected how his father bought him a pre-owned cart that had been used by several families. His father rebuilt it for him, and since Hamilton didn’t know which number to choose, he decided to stick with 44, the number already on the kart.
Also Read: Hamilton and Schumacher: Greatest F1 drivers of all time?
