One F1 fan took extreme measures for a better view of Lewis Hamilton’s first outing in Ferrari’s new livery.
Fans gathered in eager anticipation to witness the debut of the Ferrari SF-25, a car that embodies the hope of bringing Ferrari back to the pinnacle of F1 glory.
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The chance to see the iconic red car on track coupled with the presence of both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc drew a significant crowd of devoted enthusiasts to the hills surrounding the Fiorano circuit.
However, the thrill to secure the best view of the action led one fan to take bold measures.
A video shared on social media captured the moment one fan climbed a tree which was allegedly blocking the view for some spectators.
Equipped with what seemed to be a portable electric saw, he sawed off the top part of the tree.
The act has quickly sparked reactions online with one fan saying: “I find nothing cool or funny about this.”
Another commented: “That’s going too far.”
Another said: “Horrible!”
Fresh from their appearance at Tuesday night’s F1 season launch event at London’s O2, where the new car was unveiled, the Scuderia returned to their homeland on Wednesday morning for the first laps in their real 2025 machine.
With Hamilton watching from the garage at their Fiorano test track, Leclerc took to the wheel for the first laps in the SF-25.
Hamilton then stepped in for a run this afternoon, ahead of addressing the media later in the day as a Ferrari driver for the very first time.
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Ferrari has the opportunity to complete a 200km shakedown with the car ahead of the official pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.
Although F1’s regulations for 2025 remain static, Ferrari has made a significant modification to their car by transitioning from push to pull-rod front suspension, allowing for greater aerodynamic development.
Regarding the SF-25 itself, chassis technical director Loic Serra said: “We have worked hard, changing 99 percent of the car, evolving its architecture to maximise performance.
“The pull-rod front suspension is only the most obvious of many significant changes. We can expect the coming season to be very closely contested, with outcomes decided by thousandths of a second.
“We are all set to give it our best shot to find those gains, even the marginal ones, that can make the difference. We are looking forward to being competitive right from the very first race.”
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has made it clear they are starting the year with the ‘ambition to win both titles’, following a strong finish last season, ending just 14 points behind the new constructors’ champions McLaren.
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Hamilton shocked the motorsport world last February by announcing his departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025.
The Brit secured six drivers’ titles while helping the Silver Arrows clinch eight constructors’ championships in the most successful partnership the sport has ever witnessed.
However, ahead of last season, Hamilton exercised a release clause in his $55 million contract, opting for a pay cut to make the leap to Ferrari.
This move marks only the second of his career—and his first international switch—having won the world title with McLaren in 2008 before transitioning to Mercedes five years later.
Pre-season testing kicks off in Bahrain next week, setting the stage for the first race weekend of the season in Australia on March 14.
