The Scuderia Ferrari chapter of Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious Formula 1 career has officially begun, and it couldn’t have started on a more electrifying note. On a crisp Wednesday morning, the 40-year-old seven-time World Champion got his first taste of Ferrari machinery, completing 30 laps at Ferrari’s iconic Fiorano test track in the 2023 SF-23 car. In damp and chilly conditions, Hamilton described the moment as “awe-inspiring” and “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,” Hamilton said. “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.”
This test marks a significant milestone in Hamilton’s career. After over a decade with Mercedes, where he claimed six of his seven world titles, his arrival at Ferrari signals the beginning of a new era—one that has ignited excitement among the Tifosi and the global F1 community.
Passion Personified
Hamilton has long been aware of Ferrari’s rich heritage and the fervor of its fanbase, but experiencing it firsthand left him astounded. “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,” he said.
The British driver was quick to acknowledge the warm welcome he received in Maranello, stating, “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.”
A Shared Stage with Leclerc
Hamilton concluded his stint just after 11:00 AM local time, handing over the car to his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver completed 14 laps in the afternoon, giving Ferrari fans a glimpse of the dynamic duo who will spearhead the team’s 2025 campaign.
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur captured the significance of the day, saying, “As is the case every year, the first time you go out on track is a bit like the first day back at school and quite an emotional feeling, especially today as it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team. Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment.”
The Road Ahead
Hamilton’s Fiorano run is part of his acclimatization process with Ferrari, following two intensive days at the Maranello factory. The test is in line with F1’s stringent regulations, which limit drivers to a total of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of testing in previous cars.
In the coming weeks, Hamilton is expected to continue testing, including a session at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. But the real fireworks are set for February 19, when Ferrari will unveil their 2025 challenger, marking the true beginning of Hamilton’s Ferrari adventure.
The Numbers Behind the Legend
Hamilton’s career stats are already the stuff of legend: 103 Grand Prix wins, 195 podium finishes, and 103 pole positions. But driving for Ferrari adds a new layer to his story. With Ferrari boasting 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ titles—the most in F1 history—Hamilton joins a legacy unlike any other.
As fans and pundits alike await his debut in red on race day, the question looms: Can Hamilton become the first driver since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007 to deliver a Drivers’ Championship to Ferrari?
For now, the sight of Hamilton in a Ferrari has reignited dreams and reminded the world why Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. Let the red revolution begin!
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