Lewis Hamilton has described his first expertise of driving a Ferrari Components 1 automobile as “among the best emotions of my life”.
Hamilton received behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari F1 automobile on Wednesday on the Scuderia’s Fiorano check monitor in entrance of round 1500 followers, together with his first laps caught by Sky Sports activities Information’ cameras – and reporter Craig Slater.
The 40-year-old’s shock transfer to go away Mercedes and be a part of Ferrari was introduced 12 months in the past and his maiden run in one in every of their iconic pink automobiles had been eagerly anticipated since then.
“I have been fortunate sufficient to have many firsts in my profession, from the primary check to the primary race, podium, win and championship,” mentioned Hamilton.
“I wasn’t positive what number of extra firsts I had however driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP automobile for the primary time this morning, was among the best emotions of my life.”
“Once I began the automobile up and drove via that storage door, I had the most important smile on my face. It jogged my memory of the very first time I examined a Components 1 automobile, it was such an thrilling and particular second, and right here I’m, nearly 20 years later, feeling these feelings yet again.”
Followers erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives on the monitor for his first check session with Ferrari
What occurred in Hamilton’s first Ferrari check?
Hamilton accomplished 30 laps (55 miles) of the Fiorano circuit, which is simply over 1 / 4 of a standard Grand Prix distance.
After an set up lap, watched by his household and senior figures at Ferrari together with workforce principal Frederic Vasseur and vp Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the storage earlier than performing some flying laps and follow begins to get used to the programs.
Hamilton was driving with a Ferrari engine behind him for the primary time in F1, having completely used Mercedes energy since his debut in 2007 at McLaren, earlier than becoming a member of the German producer’s personal workforce in 2013.
Sky Sports activities Information reporter Craig Slater was on the bottom in Italy to get the newest response of the Tifosi as Lewis Hamilton had his first laps in a Ferrari
After his check within the morning, Hamilton went out to fulfill a number of the Tifosi to thank them for popping out to see the historic second.
“I already knew from the skin how passionate the Ferrari household is, from everybody within the workforce to the Tifosi!” he mentioned.
“However to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That keenness runs via their veins and you may’t assist however be energised by it.
“I am so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, now we have loads of work to do however I am unable to wait to get began.”
Leclerc: Particular second for the workforce
All groups are nonetheless working flat-out on their new 2025 automobiles behind closed doorways at their respective factories with simply over a month to go till pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain on February 26-28, earlier than the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16.
Utilizing the identical SF-23 automobile, Hamilton’s new team-mate, Charles Leclerc, ran a special programme within the afternoon and accomplished 14 laps on his first outing of 2025.
Check out what Lewis Hamilton received as much as on his first day at Ferrari on Monday
“The primary day again within the automobile is all the time a fantastic feeling after the vacations. It is good to be again on monitor, to see that so many followers got here out to observe us,” mentioned Leclerc.
“Feeling all this pleasure surrounding the workforce may be very motivating. It was a great day, though it was raining slightly bit after I was driving.
“In fact it was good to have the ability to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a particular second for the workforce and for him. Now I am trying ahead to being again within the automobile subsequent week and to actually begin working arduous for the approaching season.”
Frederic Vasseur offers his ideas on the arrival of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari and whether or not there shall be a interval of acclimatising for the seven-time world champion
Crew principal Vasseur added: “As is the case yearly, the primary time you exit on monitor is a bit like the primary day again in school and fairly an emotional feeling, particularly at the moment because it was Lewis’ first day as a part of the workforce.
“Welcoming a brand new driver is all the time an necessary second. Perhaps at the moment was much less particular for Charles, but it surely was good to see him match, relaxed and eager to go racing once more.
“As for the technical facet, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the very best climate, however they received again within the swing of issues and immersed themselves within the monitor atmosphere previous to the primary correct check in a month’s time in Bahrain. It was additionally a warm-up for the workforce within the storage. That was the only goal of at the moment.”
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Components 1 season reside on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
