Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has described his first experience driving a Ferrari F1 car as “amazing,” marking the start of an electrifying new chapter in his career. The Briton recently completed his first week as a Ferrari driver after his high-profile switch from Mercedes during the offseason.
A special debut at Fiorano
Hamilton took to the track at Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit on Wednesday, piloting the team’s 2023 SF-23 car in cold, damp conditions. Completing 30 laps, Hamilton was met with cheers from his family and a crowd of 1,500 Tifosi who gathered to witness the historic moment.
Newly released footage from Ferrari captures Hamilton’s raw excitement during the test. In the clip, race engineer Riccardo Adami performs a routine radio check, only to be met with an enthusiastic response from Hamilton:
“Wow, whew! Hehe… Wow, that was amazing.”
Hamilton later reflected on the emotional significance of the day, calling it “one of the best feelings” of his life.
Hamilton: Reliving the magic
Hamilton, who first tested a Formula 1 car nearly 20 years ago, said the experience rekindled the emotions of his early career:
“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.”
The 40-year-old also praised the energy and passion of Ferrari’s team and fans, saying:
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi. 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 energized by it.”
Building toward 2025
Hamilton’s Fiorano outing was just the beginning of his preparation for the 2025 season. Later this month, he is set to conduct further Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) at Barcelona alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. The pair will then debut Ferrari’s highly anticipated 2025 challenger during the team’s launch event on February 19.
The move to Ferrari has reignited Hamilton’s passion for racing, and the Scuderia will be eager to capitalize on his vast experience as they strive to end their championship drought.
A fan-fueled moment
Hamilton’s debut in Ferrari red has already become a memorable event, energizing the Tifosi and drawing widespread attention. As Hamilton continues to adapt to his new surroundings, his enthusiasm is a promising sign for a team hungry for success.
For Hamilton, the journey has come full circle, from idolizing Michael Schumacher in Ferrari red as a child to now wearing the iconic colors himself. With his debut test behind him, Hamilton and Ferrari are poised to tackle the challenges ahead.
