Lewis Hamilton has described his first experience driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
Hamilton got behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari F1 car on Wednesday In front of around 1,500 fans at the Scuderia’s Fiorano test track as his first laps went by Sky Sports News. cameras – and reporter Craig Slater.
The 40-year-old’s shock move to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari was announced 12 months ago and his first run in one of their iconic red cars has been eagerly awaited ever since.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, the podium, the win and the championship,” said Hamilton.
“I wasn’t sure how many firsts I’ve had, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
“When I started the car and walked through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of driving a Formula 1 car for the first time, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am. Me, almost 20 years later, feeling those feelings again.”
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Fans cheer and chant as Lewis Hamilton arrives at the track for his first test with Ferrari.
What happened in Hamilton’s first Ferrari test?
Hamilton covered 30 laps (55 miles) of the Fiorano circuit, just over a quarter of the usual Grand Prix distance.
After an installation period watched by his family and senior Ferrari figures, including team principal Frederic Wasser and vice-president Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the garage before flying laps and practice to get used to the systems.
Hamilton was driving a Ferrari engine for the first time in F1, having exclusively used Mercedes power since his McLaren debut in 2007, before joining the German manufacturer’s own team in 2013.
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Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater was in Italy to witness the Tifosi’s latest reaction as Lewis Hamilton took his first laps in the Ferrari.
After his morning test, Hamilton went out to meet some of the fans to thank them for coming out to witness the historic moment.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi,” he said.
“But to witness it in person now as a Ferrari driver is awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but work from it.
“I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have 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 working on their new 2025 cars behind closed doors at their respective factories, with more than a month to go before pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain on February 26-28 before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 .
Using the same SF-23 car, Hamilton’s new team-mate Charles Leclerc ran a different program in the afternoon and completed 14 laps in his first outing of 2025.
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See what Lewis Hamilton was up to on his first day at Ferrari on Monday
“The first day back in the car after the holidays is always a great feeling. It’s good to be back on the track, to see so many fans come out to watch us,” said Leclerc.
“It’s very motivating to feel all this excitement around the team, it was a good day even though it was raining a bit when I was driving.
“Of course it was nice to see Lewis drive his first laps in the Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team. Now I’m looking forward to getting back in the car next week and really working hard for the upcoming season.”
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Frederic Wasser reflects on Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari and the adjustment period for the seven-time world champion.
Team director Vasser added. “Like every year, the first time you go out on the track is a bit like the first day back at school and it’s quite an emotional feeling, especially today because it was Lewis’ first day as part of the program.
“Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment. Maybe it was less special for Charles today, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and eager to race again.
“On the technical side, Charles and Lewis had their laps in not the best weather, but they got back into the swing of things and immersed themselves in the track environment ahead of the first proper test in Bahrain in a month. Also a warm-up in the garage for the team, that was the only objective today.” :
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