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Pedal Problems and Big Smiles: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut Comes with Highs and Lows

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 24, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Pedal Problems and Big Smiles: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut Comes with Highs and Lows

Formula One F1 - Lewis Hamilton drives a Ferrari F1 car around the Fiorano circuit as part of the TPC tests - Fiorano Circuit, Fiorano Modenese near Maranello, Italy - January 22, 2025 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during testing REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated first test with Ferrari marked a new chapter in the seven-time World Champion’s illustrious career. After 11 years with Mercedes, Hamilton swapped silver for Ferrari red ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, with his initial laps at Fiorano both thrilling and revealing.

While the 40-year-old described his first Ferrari outing as one of the “best feelings” of his life, reports have emerged that the debut wasn’t without its challenges—most notably discomfort with the car’s pedal setup, which led to a few minor mistakes on track.


A historic first outing

Hamilton’s debut behind the wheel of Ferrari’s 2023 SF-23 at the Fiorano test track was a landmark moment, drawing hundreds of passionate Tifosi to witness the beginning of his partnership with the iconic Scuderia. Joined by his family and team members, Hamilton completed 30 laps—approximately 89 kilometers—before handing the car over to teammate Charles Leclerc, who ran in wet conditions during the afternoon session.

Speaking after the session, Hamilton was effusive about the experience:
“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… Here I am, almost twenty years later, feeling those emotions all over again.”


Pedal discomfort: A minor setback

Despite Hamilton’s enthusiasm, the test was not entirely smooth. According to reports from Motorsport.com, Hamilton struggled to find comfort with the car’s pedals. Efforts to adjust them during the session were unsuccessful, resulting in moments of instability on track.

The issues reportedly caused Hamilton to lock his brakes twice, once at the first corner and again at the Fiorano hairpin, narrowly avoiding the gravel runoff areas on both occasions. Ferrari is expected to address the problem ahead of their next private test session at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.


Seamless adaptation, despite challenges

Hamilton adapted quickly to Ferrari’s steering wheel controls, surprising the team by not requesting significant changes despite spending over a decade with Mercedes’ bespoke systems. Initial feedback from his collaboration with new race engineer Riccardo Adami has also been positive, signaling a smooth transition into the team environment.

Adami, who previously worked with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz, is expected to play a pivotal role in helping Hamilton settle into Ferrari’s operation.


Ferrari’s cockpit changes align with Hamilton’s preferences

Hamilton’s complaints about cockpit positioning at Mercedes were well-documented in 2023, when he criticized the sensation of being seated too far forward in the car. Ferrari has reportedly shifted the seating position further back for the 2025 season—a change spearheaded by chassis technical director Loic Serra, a former Mercedes colleague of Hamilton’s.

While it remains unclear if Hamilton directly influenced this design adjustment, the modification aligns with his long-standing preferences, potentially addressing one of his key concerns from recent years.


A promising start, despite teething issues

Hamilton’s debut at Fiorano underscored the passion and excitement surrounding his move to Ferrari. Despite the pedal discomfort, his ability to adapt to the car and the warm reception from the team and fans suggest a promising foundation for the 2025 season.

Reflecting on his first test, Hamilton expressed gratitude for the energy and support he felt from Ferrari and its fans:
“That passion runs through their veins, and you can’t help but be energized by it. I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week.”

With his debut test complete and lessons learned, Hamilton and Ferrari will look to fine-tune their setup in Barcelona next week as they prepare for what promises to be an electrifying 2025 campaign.

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