Lewis Hamilton Completes First Laps as Ferrari Driver After Heartfelt Message
Lewis Hamilton has realized a lifelong dream by completing his first laps as a Ferrari driver. The seven-time Formula One world champion, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, hit the track at Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit on a foggy morning. Hamilton emerged from the garage at 9:16 a.m. local time (8:16 a.m. GMT) to test a 2023 Ferrari model, the latest car permitted under F1’s testing regulations.
As per the sport’s rules, Hamilton is allowed to cover up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) during this session. Following his run at Fiorano, the British driver is scheduled for additional testing at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. These preparations come ahead of Formula One’s official three-day pre-season testing in Bahrain, which begins on February 26.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the end of a remarkable chapter with Mercedes and ushers in a new era for the iconic Italian team. He arrived at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters earlier in the week, where he met with his new teammates and settled into his new environment.
Sharing his excitement on social media, Hamilton posted a striking photo of himself in Ferrari’s signature red attire, a post that quickly gained traction with 1.5 million likes in just an hour. The image symbolizes a fresh start for the driver as he embarks on this new chapter with the Scuderia.
Speaking about his historic first day as a Ferrari driver, Hamilton shared an emotional reflection: “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever, and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days.”
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari is seen as a bold move as he pursues a record-breaking eighth world championship title. For the Italian team, securing Hamilton represents a significant coup as they look to regain their dominance in the sport.
Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari not only signals a new challenge for the veteran driver but also injects fresh optimism into the team and its passionate fan base. His presence in the scarlet car marks a pivotal moment in Formula One history, and all eyes will be on how this partnership unfolds during the 2025 season.
