Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari F1 driver ‘energised’ after first test for new team at Fiorano ahead of 2025 Formula 1 season | F1 News

Estimated read time 3 min read


Lewis Hamilton has described his first experience of 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 car 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 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,” said 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.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Fans erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives at the track for his first test session with Ferrari

What happened in Hamilton’s first test?

Hamilton completed 30 laps (55 miles), which is just over a quarter of a normal Grand Prix distance.

After an installation lap, watched by his family and senior figures at Ferrari including team principal Frederic Vasseur and vice president Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the garage before doing some flying laps and practice starts to get 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 debut in 2007 at McLaren, before joining the German manufacturer’s own team in 2013.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater was on the ground in Italy to get the latest reaction of the Tifosi as Lewis Hamilton had 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 see the historic moment.

“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi!” he said.

“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’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”

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



Source link

You May Also Like

More From Author

+ There are no comments

Add yours