Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari SF-25 debut in private…read more
Lewis Hamilton has officially taken his first laps in the Ferrari SF-25 during a private test at Fiorano. This marked a significant moment as Hamilton, now part of the Scuderia Ferrari team for the 2025 F1 season, got behind the wheel of the car for the first time. The SF-25 made its debut on track the day after Ferrari unveiled it at the F1 75 event in London, with the team quickly moving to its private testing session at Fiorano.
Before Hamilton’s turn in the car, Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s new teammate, was the first driver to take the SF-25 out for a spin. Leclerc completed roughly 30 laps on the track during the morning session, all while receiving enthusiastic support from fans who were stationed at the circuit. After finishing his run, Leclerc took a moment to interact with the spectators, acknowledging their cheers before handing the car over to Hamilton for the afternoon’s driving duties.
Hamilton’s first run in the SF-25 took place at approximately 12:47 PM local time. His appearance was met with a wave of excitement, with many Ferrari fans on hand to witness the historic moment. As he exited the garage and made his way onto the track, the crowd cheered and applauded, with Hamilton responding by raising his arm in appreciation of the Tifosi’s warm welcome.
The run was part of a “filming day,” which is allowed under F1 regulations. For this type of testing session, both Hamilton and Leclerc were permitted a maximum of 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of running. As the team prepares for the official pre-season testing in Bahrain next week, the private Fiorano session served as a low-key but important opportunity for Ferrari to ensure the SF-25’s systems were functioning properly, while also allowing both drivers to familiarize themselves with the car ahead of the official track action.
Hamilton’s entry into the Ferrari fold has been one of the most talked-about moves in the F1 world, especially given his long tenure with Mercedes and his seven World Championships. The day at Fiorano was the first step in what will surely be an exciting new chapter for the British driver as he aims to fight for more titles with Ferrari. Although the filming day was brief, the significance of the event for both Hamilton and Ferrari cannot be overstated, with fans eagerly awaiting to see what the team can achieve in the upcoming season.
