Ferrari, the unusual surprise in Bahrain: President John Elkann is at the F1 tests. Ferrari President John Elkann is at the F1 tests in Bahrain.

In the middle of the morning on the second day of testing in Bahrain, a surprise appeared in the Ferrari box: supporting the team was the president of the Scuderia, John Elkann. The head of the team spoke at length first with team principal Fred Vasseur, then with the new acquisition Lewis Hamilton.

It’s the morning session of Day 2 of the Bahrain tests when a familiar face shows up in the Ferrari box. The surprise for the staff is John Elkann, president of Ferrari: the 48-year-old Italian joined Fred Vasseur’s team in Manama to closely follow the pre-season test stages. Captured by TV cameras, Elkann spoke first with team principal Fred Vasseur in the paddock of the Sakhir circuit, before entering the box.

Inside the garage, John Elkann met Lewis Hamilton, who was resting during the quiet phase of the morning, which was characterized by unprecedented rain in Bahrain. Here, Ferrari president John Elkann had a long conversation with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The British champion is taking his first steps with the Maranello car, active on track during the first two mornings of testing.

Ferrari, President John Elkann at the Bahrain tests after years John Elkann’s presence in the Ferrari garage at the Bahrain tests is unusual. It’s not common to see the president of the Prancing Horse team attending the squad’s work during winter testing. The last time John Elkann was present at the tests was in 2019, his first year as president of the Agnelli family-managed company, as well as the first year of Leclerc in the red suit and Binotto leading the team.

The head of Ferrari wanted to be present in Bahrain to be close to the team, as they are about to start a crucial season. 2025 will mark Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari, a highly sought-after superstar by Elkann. The upcoming season is set to begin with particular enthusiasm around the Maranello team. The Italian team is considered one of the favorites for the world title and is ready to embark on the 24-race journey with their first true car designed by Fred Vasseur.

Source: f1ingenerale