Lewis Hamilton issues new statement after first Ferrari test at….read more
Lewis Hamilton has described his Ferrari debut as “one of the best feelings of my life” after completing a private test at the team’s Fiorano test track on Wednesday.
Hamilton completed 30 laps at Fiorano on Wednesday behind the wheel of the SF-23 car of 2023 before handing over to new team-mate Charles Leclerc for the afternoon session.
Lewis Hamilton opens up on ‘special’ Ferrari test at Fiorano
The seven-time World Champion’s debut drew a large crowd, with hundreds of fans there to witness Hamilton’s test debut.
Hamilton took time out of his busy schedule to greet the fans after his running had concluded.
A Ferrari report of the test read: “An eagerly awaited debut in a red car for one driver and the first run out of the season for another were the items on the agenda for Scuderia Ferrari HP at the Fiorano track today, as the team had its first taste of track action of the 2025 season.
Rain had greeted Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari on Monday and today that gave way to quite thick fog, which slightly spoilt the view for the huge number of fans who had gathered on the via Giardini overpass in Maranello that runs alongside the Ferrari-owned test track.
Coincidentally, fog was also a factor on 16 November 1995, when Michael Schumacher, who would go on to be a seven-time world champion, had his first run at Fiorano.
“Today at 9.16, an SF-23 bearing the number 44, left the garage for the first time, for a single installation lap on rain tyres, under the watchful eye of Team Principal Fred Vasseur and his deputy Jerome d’Ambrosio.
Members of Lewis’ family were also there and were clearly excited. Once back in the pits, the Englishman stayed in the car, speaking to his race engineer Riccardo Adami over the radio.
“Then, with Vice President Piero Ferrari having also arrived to watch the action, the test really got underway, with Lewis going out on slick tyres, doing flying laps, while also attempting some practice starts as he got to grips with all the systems on the car.
“He completed a total of 30 laps, equal to 89 kilometres: no doubt he would have liked to do more, but as from this year even the TPC tests (Testing of Previous Cars) which allow teams to run cars that are at least two years old, can only cover a total of a thousand kilometres in the hands of the teams’ race drivers.
“Following the post-session debrief with the engineers, Lewis went out to the corner where the fans were gathered to say hello and thank them for their warm welcome over his first few days as a ‘ferrarista’.
Lewis Hamilton has described his debut with Ferrari as “one of the best feelings of my life” after completing his first private test at the team’s Fiorano circuit on Wednesday. The seven-time World Champion took to the wheel of the 2023 SF-23 car for 30 laps, marking an exciting milestone in his career. After his morning session, Hamilton handed over the car to his new Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, for the afternoon run.
Hamilton’s test was eagerly anticipated, with a large crowd of fans gathering at the track to witness the historic moment. The atmosphere was buzzing, with hundreds of spectators watching from the nearby Via Giardini overpass, despite the foggy conditions that slightly obscured the view. The weather had been challenging for Hamilton’s debut, as rain had initially welcomed him to Ferrari earlier in the week, but the fog cleared just enough to allow for some exciting laps.
The test marked a significant occasion for both Hamilton and Ferrari. It was not only the first time the British driver had driven a Ferrari car but also the team’s first on-track action for the 2025 season. The session started with a single installation lap on rain tyres before Hamilton moved on to slick tyres to begin his flying laps. He also took the opportunity to practice some starts and familiarize himself with the car’s systems. In total, Hamilton completed 30 laps, covering a distance of 89 kilometers. While he would have liked to do more, regulations limit teams to just 1,000 kilometers in testing with previous cars in the hands of race drivers.
Throughout the day, Hamilton received a warm reception from Ferrari’s top brass, including Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who was present to oversee the test, along with Vice President Piero Ferrari and Deputy Team Principal Jerome d’Ambrosio. Hamilton was also joined by members of his family, who shared in the excitement of the occasion. After completing his running, Hamilton took time to engage with the fans who had gathered at the track, thanking them for their support and for making his debut experience even more special. He made sure to stop by the corner where the crowd had gathered to greet them personally.
Ferrari’s official report of the test reflected the significance of the day, noting the presence of Hamilton’s family and the enthusiasm of the fans. The test was an important step in Hamilton’s new chapter with Ferrari, following the conclusion of his long-standing relationship with Mercedes. It also served as a reminder of Ferrari’s rich history at Fiorano, a track that has seen numerous legendary drivers, including Michael Schumacher, who had his first test with Ferrari under similar foggy conditions in 1995.
The event was a symbolic moment in the world of Formula 1, as Hamilton’s shift to Ferrari generated significant excitement among fans and media alike. It was a reminder of the sport’s ever-evolving nature and the anticipation surrounding one of its most decorated drivers taking on a new challenge with one of the most iconic teams in F1 history. As the 2025 season draws closer, Hamilton’s future with Ferrari remains a hot topic, and this test served as an important first step in what could be a thrilling partnership.
