Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari F1 driver ‘activated’ after first test for new team at Fiorano ahead of 2025 Formula 1 season | F1 News
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 on Wednesday at the Scuderia’s Fiorano test track in front of around 1500 fans, with his first laps caught 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 maiden run in one of their iconic red cars has been eagerly awaited ever since.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, the podium, the win and the championship,” Hamilton said.
“I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car 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 the first time I drove a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions again.”
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Fans erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton takes to the track for his first Ferrari test
What happened at Hamilton’s Ferrari’s first test?
Hamilton completed 30 laps (55 miles) of the Fiorano circuit, which is just over a quarter of the normal Grand Prix distance.
After a set-up lap, attended by his family and senior Ferrari officials, including team principal Frederic Vasseur and vice-president Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the garage before taking a few flying laps and practice getting used to the systems .
Hamilton was driving with a Ferrari engine behind him for the first time in F1, having exclusively used Mercedes power since his 2007 debut at McLaren, before joining the German manufacturer’s own team in 2013.
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater was on the ground in Italy to get the latest Tifosi reaction as Lewis Hamilton took his first laps in a Ferrari.
After his test in the morning, Hamilton went out to meet some of the Tifosi to thank them for coming out to witness the historic moment.
“I already knew firsthand how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi!” he said.
“But to see it now first-hand as a Ferrari driver was awe-inspiring. This passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be turned on by 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 gradually working on their new 2025 cars behind closed doors at their respective factories, with just over a month to go until 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 teammate Charles Leclerc ran a different schedule in the afternoon and completed 14 laps in his first outing in 2025.
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Take a look at what Lewis Hamilton did on his first day at Ferrari on Monday
“The first day back in the car is always a great feeling after the holidays. It’s good to be back on track, to see that so many fans came out to watch us,” said Leclerc.
“Feeling all this excitement around the team is very motivating. It was a good day, even though it rained a bit when I was driving.
“Of course it was nice to see Lewis drive his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team and for him. Now I’m looking forward to getting back in the car next week and really starting to work hard for the coming season ».
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Frederic Vasseur gives his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari and whether there will be an acclimatization period for the seven-time world champion
Team manager Vasseur added: “As is the case every year, going out on the track for the first time is a bit like the first day back at school and quite an emotional feeling, especially today as it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team.
“Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment. Perhaps today was less special for Charles, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and ready to race again.
“On the technical side, Charles and Lewis did 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 after a month in Bahrain. It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage, that was the sole purpose of today.”
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
2025-01-22 20:30:00
