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Lewis Hamilton Rides High After Ferrari Testing Debut
Lewis Hamilton described his first experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car as “one of the best feelings of my life” after completing a noteworthy 30 laps at the Fiorano test track.
Hamilton’s initiation into his new role with the iconic team began after two days of acclimating in Maranello. On a chilly and fog-laden morning, he hit the track with the 2023 Ferrari SF-23 for his inaugural laps, overcoming less-than-ideal conditions.
Despite the damp atmosphere, a crowd of dedicated Italian fans gathered to witness Hamilton’s automotive debut with Ferrari, as he navigated both wet and slick Pirelli demo tires. The seasoned driver, who is 40 years old, enjoyed a smooth outing, with only minor lock-ups in the chicane due to the cold track surface.
In the afternoon, after handing the car over to teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton expressed his excitement about the day’s events. He reflected on the significance of the experience, saying, “I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win, and championship, so I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had. But driving a Scuderia Ferrari car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
He reminisced about the thrill of starting the engine and driving through the garage door, likening the moment to the joy of his very first F1 test nearly two decades ago. “It was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost twenty years later, feeling those emotions all over again.”
Following the test, Hamilton made a point to engage with the tifosi, expressing how their fervor uplifted his spirit. “I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi,” he commented. “But to now witness it first-hand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. 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. We have a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to get started.”
In the later part of the day, Leclerc took the wheel, completing 14 laps to kick off his own 2025 campaign. Notably, the testing event was attended by Ferrari vice president Piero Ferrari and Hamilton’s mother, underscoring the importance of this moment in Hamilton’s storied racing career.
This marks a significant chapter for Hamilton as he continues his journey with Ferrari, a team steeped in racing lore and passionate history.
Source
www.autosport.com