THIS is the hilarious moment a Ferrari fan chopped down a tree to get a better view of Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time world champion began his love-in with the Italian team when he stepped into the cockpit of their new SF-25 car for the first time in Maranello.
A Ferrari fan chopped down a tree that was blocking fans’ view
Supporters cheered as the obstruction was removed
SplashHamilton waved to fans on his arrival at Maranello[/caption]
SplashHe took Ferrari’s new car for a spin for the first time[/caption]
Hamilton‘s first spin sparked mayhem among Ferrari’s fiercely loyal Tifosi support.
But a tree blocked the view of hundreds who visited the F1‘s team base to get a glimpse of the Brit at the Fiorano circuit.
One fan took matters into his own hands and was spotted making his way up a 25ft tree to chop it down with an electric saw.
There were cheers from supporters as the obstruction tumbled to the ground.
Hamilton completed a quick turnaround for the 9am run, having been on stage at London’s O2 Arena the previous night as the teams unveiled their new livery.
There he had spoken about how he had been “invigorated” about his challenge with the Scuderia.
Hamilton, 40, also aimed a dig at his former team Mercedes by saying his new car was nothing like he had ever experienced.
He said: “I’m really conscious of the fact that there are only a handful of special first times in life — the first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job.
“I honestly thought I’d had all my firsts and nothing would be new again.
“Given I’ve raced for so long, even I’m surprised at just how much I still love what I do — it felt so new.
“I remember putting my suit on, getting into the cockpit, and just the excitement I had was very reminiscent of maybe the first time I got to step in a Formula One car when I was 21 years old… 20 years ago.
“But this time was different. I’ve always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red.”
Hamilton has been living and breathing life in Italy having spent 12 years with Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles after first making his name with McLaren.
He has been living the ‘Dolce Vita’ — learning Italian and gorging on pizza.
Hamilton added: “I’ve had quite a few pizzas but somehow lost weight! I love Italian food. Penne all’arrabbiata has always been my favourite dish.”
He produced a squeaky-clean run in the new car having crashed the 2024 version at last month’s Pirelli testing in Barcelona.
And Hamilton claimed: “It’s nothing like the car I had before over the last ten, 12, 17 years. It’s unique.
“To feel the vibration of a Ferrari engine for the first time… wow.
“That’s what ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.
“I had seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me.
“It’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and this suit. I hope I swag it out and make it look good.”
Ferrari were able to complete a 200km shakedown with the car ahead of the official pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.
Hamilton added: “I had been waiting such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like such a new, uncharted journey.
“It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.
“I knew that I would see the Tifosi on the bridge and to finally get to Turn One and see them down there, that was amazing to see.
“And meeting the team, I was blown away just by the reception and the passion of the people.
“I worked with two world championship-winning teams before.
“I know what a winning team looks and feels like.
“Everyone here, the passion is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got every ingredient they need to win a world championship.”
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