Watch Lewis Hamilton drive a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

OK, TopGear.com is calling it: Lewis Hamilton has already won 2025. Not in Formula One, because that hasn’t yet started, but in the big, wide, complex, terrible and brilliant world of automotive.

Because Lewis Hamilton has driven a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. As that valet! Who goes on a joyride in Chicago! And Edward Norton’s his co-pilot! There are pre-season sponsor signings and corporate events, and then there’s a seven-time champion starring in a classic comedy film.

The 2m 36s clip sees Hamilton digitally inserted into that famous Ferrari joyride scene from John Hughes’ 1986 stone-cold classic via some fairly spectacular editing.

From the man who started the season dressed in a suit looking like he’d ordered a meeting of the five families, Hamilton said: “No better way to start the season than by fulfilling another dream.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has been one of my favourite movies since I was a kid. This is to pay homage to the iconic film and to celebrate my first season with Ferrari.

“It definitely took a lot of cutting-edge tech, production and planning to get right. Had to get the exact car too … it’s been a dream car since seeing the movie. Shout out to the legendary Edward Norton for coming along for the ride. This is the energy and excitement I’m bringing to the track this year. ANDIAMO!!”

'Exact car.' Does that mean he drove a replica, like they did in the film, or does that mean he simply made sure they sourced an unutterably gorgeous, V12 superstar for the shoot? Not sure it really matters. Take it away, Lewis…