Lewis Hamilton has described his first expertise of driving a Ferrari Components 1 automobile as “probably the greatest emotions of my life”.
Hamilton got behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari F1 car on Wednesday on the Scuderia’s Fiorano check monitor in entrance of round 1500 followers, together 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 one among their iconic crimson automobiles had been eagerly anticipated since then.
“I have been fortunate sufficient to have many firsts in my profession, from the primary check to the primary race, podium, win and championship,” stated Hamilton.
“I wasn’t certain what number of extra firsts I had however driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP automobile for the primary time this morning, was probably the greatest emotions of my life.”
“After I began the automobile up and drove via that storage door, I had the most important smile on my face. It jogged my memory of the very first time I examined a Components 1 automobile, it was such an thrilling and particular second, and right here I’m, virtually 20 years later, feeling these feelings yet 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 traditional Grand Prix distance.
After an set up lap, watched by his household and senior figures at Ferrari together with staff principal Frederic Vasseur and vp Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the storage earlier than performing some flying laps and observe begins to get used to the techniques.
Hamilton was driving with a Ferrari engine behind him for the primary time in F1, having solely used Mercedes energy since his debut in 2007 at McLaren, earlier than becoming a member of the German producer’s personal staff 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 a few of the Tifosi to thank them for popping out to see the historic second.
“I already knew from the surface how passionate the Ferrari household is, from everybody within the staff to the Tifosi!” he stated.
“However to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That zeal runs via their veins and you’ll’t assist however be energised by it.
“I am so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, we have now a variety of work to do however I am unable to wait to get began.”
Leclerc: Particular second for the staff
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 special programme within the afternoon and accomplished 14 laps on his first outing of 2025.
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Check out what Lewis Hamilton received as much as on his first day at Ferrari on Monday
“The primary day again within the automobile is all the time an incredible feeling after the vacations. It is good to be again on monitor, to see that so many followers got here out to look at us,” stated Leclerc.
“Feeling all this pleasure surrounding the staff may be very motivating. It was day, regardless that it was raining a little bit bit once 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 staff and for him. Now I am wanting ahead to being again within the automobile subsequent week and to actually begin working laborious for the approaching season.”
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Frederic Vasseur offers 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
Staff principal Vasseur added: “As is the case yearly, the primary time you exit on monitor is a bit like the primary day again at college and fairly an emotional feeling, particularly in the present day because it was Lewis’ first day as a part of the staff.
“Welcoming a brand new driver is all the time an vital second. Perhaps in the present day was much less particular for Charles, but it surely was good to see him match, relaxed and eager to go racing once more.
“As for the technical aspect, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not one of the best climate, however they received again within the swing of issues and immersed themselves within the monitor surroundings previous to the primary correct check in a month’s time in Bahrain. It was additionally a warm-up for the staff within the storage. That was the only function of in the present day.”
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Components 1 season dwell on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
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