It has been two weeks since Lewis Hamilton embarked on what is expected to be the final racing chapter of his Formula 1 career.
Arguably, Hamilton's decision to end his longstanding association with Mercedes and join Ferrari is the biggest driver transfer in F1 history.
Hamilton is the sport's most successful driver, with a record seven titles to his name, whilst holding the additional records for most victories and pole positions.
It remains to be seen whether Hamilton will be able to recapture his title-challenging form of old after three difficult seasons with Mercedes following the introduction of the current ground-effect regulations.
The Tifosi, Ferrari's adoring army of fans, will be unconcerned by that - for now.
All that matters for them is capturing that first glimpse of the 40-year-old in a red race suit, and driving the 2023 car, as he will do at some stage soon as he integrates himself into the team ahead of the season-opening grand prix in Australia in mid-March.
As noted by respected Italian F1 journalist Roberto Chincherro, speaking on the James Allen on F1 podcast, "a kind of Hamilton mania has already started in Italy".
It is almost certain that should word leak of Hamilton's debut at Ferrari's Fiorano test track at Maranello, then all hell is likely to break loose, creating issues for local law enforcement.
"Since the New Year began, there is a big question mark that Italian Ferrari fans are trying to answer – when will the first test of Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari car take place?" said Chincherro.
“I cannot imagine the number of people around the track. I’m expecting the Maranello and Fiorano streets will be filled with people.
“I’m expecting something that we haven’t seen in years. So it will be hard work for the police in Maranello.
“But I’m not surprised. All the national media, not only the sports media, are giving a lot of space to the man Lewis Hamilton.
"The mainstream is telling you who Lewis is, his passion and interest, the story of his career and his desire to end this career driving a Ferrari."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look into the six full-time F1 rookies featuring on this year's grid. Who will do the best is discussed, as is who could face an early exit.
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