Lewis Hamilton has described his first expertise of driving a Ferrari Method 1 automobile as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
Hamilton obtained behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari F1 automobile on Wednesday on the Scuderia’s Fiorano check monitor in entrance of round 1500 followers, along with his first laps caught by Sky Sports activities Information’ cameras – and reporter Craig Slater.
The 40-year-old’s shock transfer to depart Mercedes and be a part of Ferrari was introduced 12 months in the past and his maiden run in certainly one of their iconic pink automobiles had been eagerly anticipated since then.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship,” mentioned Hamilton.
“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 up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again.”
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Followers erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives on the monitor for his first check session with Ferrari
What occurred in Hamilton’s first Ferrari check?
Hamilton accomplished 30 laps (55 miles) of the Fiorano circuit, which is simply over 1 / 4 of a standard Grand Prix distance.
After an set up lap, watched by his household and senior figures at Ferrari together with workforce principal Frederic Vasseur and vp Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the storage earlier than doing a little flying laps and observe begins to get used to the programs.
Hamilton was driving with a Ferrari engine behind him for the primary time in F1, having completely used Mercedes energy since his debut in 2007 at McLaren, earlier than becoming a member of the German producer’s personal workforce in 2013.
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Sky Sports activities Information reporter Craig Slater was on the bottom in Italy to get the most recent response of the Tifosi as Lewis Hamilton had his first laps in a Ferrari
After his check within the morning, Hamilton went out to satisfy among the Tifosi to thank them for popping out to see the historic second.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi!” he mentioned.
“But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it.
“I am so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, we’ve quite a lot of work to do however I am unable to wait to get began.”
Leclerc: Particular second for the workforce
All groups are nonetheless working flat-out on their new 2025 automobiles behind closed doorways at their respective factories with simply over a month to go till pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain on February 26-28, earlier than the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16.
Utilizing the identical SF-23 automobile, Hamilton’s new team-mate, Charles Leclerc, ran a unique programme within the afternoon and accomplished 14 laps on his first outing of 2025.
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Check out what Lewis Hamilton obtained as much as 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,” mentioned Leclerc.
“Feeling all this excitement surrounding the team is very motivating. It was a good day, even though it was raining a little bit when I was driving.
“After all it was good to have the ability to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a particular second for the workforce and for him. Now I am wanting ahead to being again within the automobile subsequent week and to actually begin working exhausting for the approaching season.”
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Frederic Vasseur provides his ideas on the arrival of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari and whether or not there can be a interval of acclimatising for the seven-time world champion
Group principal Vasseur added: “As is the case every year, the first time you go out on track 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 brand new driver is all the time an necessary second. Possibly at this time was much less particular for Charles, however it was good to see him match, relaxed and eager to go racing once more.
“As for the technical side, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the best weather, but they got back in the swing of things and immersed themselves in the track environment prior to the first proper test in a month’s time 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 Method 1 season reside on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
