Fred Vasseur explains ‘sole purpose’ of Hamilton Ferrari debut at…read more
Lewis Hamilton made his eagerly anticipated Ferrari debut at the Fiorano Circuit on Wednesday morning, marking a significant moment in his career. The seven-time world champion completed 30 laps in the team’s 2023 SF-23 car, which was a major milestone for both Hamilton and Ferrari. Dressed in a Ferrari race suit and donning his new helmet, the 40-year-old driver was greeted by a crowd of around 2,000 fans who came to witness the historic occasion. The conditions on the day were foggy, which turned out to be a striking coincidence, as the weather mirrored that of Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari debut back on November 16, 1995.
Hamilton’s debut session was more than just a test of his skills behind the wheel—it was an emotional moment for both the driver and Ferrari. Throughout the morning, he was cheered on by the Tifosi, the passionate Ferrari fans, creating an electric atmosphere around the track. After completing his laps, Hamilton took the opportunity to engage with the fans, making this his first interaction with the Tifosi as a Ferrari driver, which Vasseur described as a very special moment.
However, despite the media attention on Hamilton’s first outing for Ferrari, team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized that the primary purpose of the day was not just about the driver but also about getting the entire team ready for the upcoming season. As Vasseur explained, the session’s real objective was to serve as a warm-up for the team in the garage, helping them reacquaint themselves with the track environment ahead of the official preseason tests. He likened the first outing of the season to the first day back at school, saying it always carries a certain emotional significance.
Vasseur acknowledged that while welcoming a new driver is always an important moment for the team, it might have been less special for Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s other driver, as he was returning to familiar surroundings. However, Vasseur was pleased to see Leclerc in good shape, relaxed, and eager to get back into racing. Both Hamilton and Leclerc’s laps took place in less-than-ideal weather conditions, but they managed to get into the swing of things and begin adjusting to the track environment. The session was designed to give the drivers a feel for the car and the circuit before the first major test of the year in Bahrain, scheduled for next month.
The test day also served as an opportunity for the team to rebuild its rhythm after the winter break. While the session was not primarily focused on gathering technical data, it was still a crucial step in the preparation for the season ahead. As Vasseur pointed out, it was a chance for the drivers and the technical staff to immerse themselves in the track environment and begin the process of refining their setups before the serious testing begins.
In summary, while Hamilton’s Ferrari debut generated considerable excitement among fans and media, the team’s main goal was to ease both the drivers and the crew back into the routine ahead of the new season. The focus was less about setting fast lap times and more about familiarizing everyone with the car, the track, and the overall team dynamics as they prepare for the real tests to come in Bahrain. Vasseur’s remarks highlight the importance of these early sessions in establishing the foundation for a successful season ahead.
