Lewis Hamilton described his first experience driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car as “one of the best feelings of my life.”
Hamilton drove the 2023 Ferrari F1 car at the Scuderia’s Fiorano test track on Wednesday in front of about 1,500 fans. Sky Sports News’ Camera – and reporter Craig Slater.
The 40-year-old’s shock move to leave Mercedes to join Ferrari was announced 12 months ago, and since then his first race in one of his iconic red cars has been eagerly anticipated.
“I’ve been lucky enough to achieve many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podiums, wins and championships,” said Hamilton.
“I don’t know how many more firsts I’ve had, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
“When I started the car and drove through the garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the first time I tested a Formula 1 car. It was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am almost 20 years later. “Now, I’m feeling that feeling again.”
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Fans erupted in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrived on the track for his first test session with Ferrari.
What happened in Hamilton’s first Ferrari test?
Hamilton completed 30 laps (55 miles) of the Fiorano Circuit, just over a quarter of the normal Grand Prix distance.
After an installation lap attended by his family and Ferrari dignitaries, including team principal Frederic Vasseur and vice-president Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the garage to perform a few flying laps and begin to familiarize himself with the system.
Hamilton was the first to drive in F1 with a Ferrari engine behind him, and has used Mercedes power exclusively since his McLaren debut in 2007, joining the German manufacturer’s own team in 2013.
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Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater was on site in Italy to get the latest reaction from Tifosi as Lewis Hamilton took his first lap in the Ferrari.
After testing in the morning, Hamilton went out to thank the Tifosi people for coming to see the historic moment.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone on the team to Tifosi!” he said
“But now, as a Ferrari driver, to witness it firsthand has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but feel energized by it.
“I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everyone in Maranello this week. There’s a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”
Leclerc: A special moment for the team
All teams are still hard at work developing the new 2025 cars behind closed doors at their respective plants until pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain on February 26-28 before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. On March 16th.
Hamilton’s new team-mate Charles Leclerc ran a different program in the afternoon using the same SF-23 car and completed 14 laps in his first outing of 2025.
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Take a look at what Lewis Hamilton did on his first day at Ferrari on Monday.
“It’s always a good feeling the first day back in the car after the holidays. It’s nice to get back to normal to see so many fans come see us,” Leclerc said.
“It’s very motivating to feel all this excitement surrounding the team. It was a great day, even though it rained a little while driving.
“Of course it was great to see Lewis driving the first laps in the Ferrari. It was a special moment for the team and for him as well. We are now looking forward to getting back in the car next week and getting off to a serious start. Working hard for the upcoming season. “I’m doing it,” he said.
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Frederic Vasseur gives his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari and whether there will be an adjustment period for the seven-time world champion.
Team leader Vasseur added: “Like every year, going out on the track for the first time is a bit like the first day back at school and it feels quite emotional, especially as today was Lewis’ first day of competition on the team.
“Welcoming a new driver is always a big moment, and while today may have been less special for Charles, it was great to see him fit, comfortable and eager to get back to racing.
“Technically, Charles and Lewis did laps in adverse weather conditions, but they got back into the groove and immersed themselves in the track environment ahead of their first proper test in a month in Bahrain. It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. “That was my only purpose today.”
Watch all 24 race weekends of the 2025 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Australian GP from March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No Commitment, Cancel Anytime
