Lewis Hamilton makes a surprise appearance at the wheel of a Ferrari F40... in Japan's most famous parking lot

Just a few days before the Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton created a surprise... far from the racetrack. The seven-time world champion was spotted in Tokyo, more precisely in the mythical Daikoku parking lot, at the wheel of a rolling legend: the Ferrari F40.

Arriving discreetly on Tuesday evening, the pilot Ferrari quickly made a name for himself. True to his style, wearing streetwear, he mixed his image as a star of the Formula 1 to that of a car enthusiast, in a place charged with symbolism for car enthusiasts the world over.

The F40 he was driving sported a personalized Japanese license plate with the words “F40” and the number “77”, a nod to his previous motoring escapades in Japan. This was Hamilton's way of continuing a tradition that began in 2022, when he had already taken to the Japanese streets at the wheel of a Nissan Skyline.

Daikoku PA, the world's temple for car enthusiasts

It's no coincidence that Lewis Hamilton chose this location. The Daikoku Parking Area, located on Tokyo Bay in Yokohama, is much more than just a freeway service area. It's one of the world's most famous automobile spots.

Daikoku Futo was originally a huge port area built between the 1970s and 1990s to support the boom in Japanese shipping. Even today, it plays a key role in the country's automotive logistics, particularly for vehicle exports.

But what makes it so famous is its circular parking lot, accessible only via the freeway. Over the decades, this area has become an essential meeting point for enthusiasts. Initially frequented by street racers and underground tuners, it has evolved into a veritable showcase for Japanese car culture.

Every evening, dozens, sometimes hundreds, of cars gather here: prepared Japanese sports cars, European supercars, rare models... and now, Formula 1 drivers.

An eye-catching Ferrari F40

In this already spectacular environment, the presence of a Ferrari F40 left no one indifferent. Produced at the end of the 80s to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary, this supercar is now an absolute icon.

Its raw design, twin-turbo V8 and lack of electronic assistance make it a machine as demanding as it is mythical. Watching it evolve in the Daikoku parking lot, amidst Skyline, Supra and other Japanese machines, created a striking contrast between two automotive cultures so close in their passion. Social networks were soon abuzz with excitement. Photos, videos, reactions... the mere presence of Hamilton and this F40 was enough to transform a classic evening into a viral event.

A perfect set-up before Suzuka

This appearance is obviously not insignificant. It comes just a few days before the Japanese Grand Prix, held at the Suzuka Circuit, where testing begins on March 26 and the race takes place on March 29.

For Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari's driver since 2025, this weekend represents a major opportunity. He hasn't won at Suzuka since 2019, and expectations are high for his performance with the Scuderia, alongside Charles Leclerc.

By showing off in Daikoku, the Briton is not only making a name for himself, he's also strengthening his link with a particularly influential community of enthusiasts. Japan, and more broadly the local car culture, has long had a unique relationship with car performance, style and history.