Maranello, Italy – Just days before the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s newest star driver, received a jaw-dropping surprise from the Italian team that left him speechless. On March 2, 2025, Ferrari gifted the seven-time world champion a Ferrari F80—the brand’s fastest, most powerful, and most expensive supercar to date—as a symbolic welcome to the Scuderia family, marking a significant moment in Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes after over a decade with the Silver Arrows.

The Ferrari F80, unveiled late last year, is a hybrid hypercar boasting 1,184 horsepower, making it the most powerful road-legal car Ferrari has ever produced. With a price tag of $3.9 million and only 799 units manufactured—all of which have already been sold—the F80 is a rare masterpiece, featuring a V6 engine paired with electric motors, a carbon-fiber chassis, and advanced aerodynamics that generate 1,000 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. Its acceleration is blistering, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 2.15 seconds, and its exclusivity has made it a coveted piece among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Hamilton, who officially joined Ferrari for the 2025 season after a challenging final few years with Mercedes, was presented with the F80 during a private ceremony at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. The gift comes as Ferrari aims to signal their high expectations for Hamilton, who is chasing a record-breaking eighth world championship to surpass Michael Schumacher—a feat that would be particularly poignant with the Prancing Horse, Schumacher’s former team.

Visibly emotional, Hamilton shared his reaction upon receiving the keys to the F80. “This is unbelievable!” he exclaimed. “I’ve been blown away by Ferrari’s passion and dedication since I arrived, but to be gifted the F80—it’s beyond words. This car represents the pinnacle of engineering and design, and to have one as a welcome to the team is a true honor. I’m living every moment intensely, and I can’t wait to make Ferrari proud on the track.”

The gesture underscores Ferrari’s commitment to Hamilton as they aim to reclaim the Constructors’ Championship, a title they haven’t won since 2008. Hamilton’s arrival has already sparked excitement among fans, with his early comments about the team’s atmosphere reflecting a renewed sense of purpose. During pre-season testing in Bahrain, he noted the vibrations of a Ferrari engine for the first time made him smile the most, a sentiment that has only grown with this unexpected gift.

However, the timing of the gift also raises questions about the pressure Hamilton faces. At 40 years old, he is no longer the youngest driver on the grid, and with Ferrari’s last Drivers’ Championship dating back to 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen, the expectations are immense. Some fans on social media have speculated whether such a lavish gift might add to the weight on Hamilton’s shoulders, while others see it as a sign of Ferrari’s belief in his ability to lead them back to glory.

As the season opener in Melbourne approaches on March 7, 2025, Hamilton’s focus will undoubtedly shift to the track, where he’ll aim to harness Ferrari’s potential in their new SF-25 car. But for now, the Ferrari F80—a symbol of speed, innovation, and legacy—serves as a powerful reminder of the high stakes and high rewards awaiting him in this new chapter with the iconic Italian team.