Lewis Hamilton described his first experience driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
Hamilton got behind the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari F1 car on Wednesday At the Scuderia Fiorano test track in front of around 1,500 fans, where his first laps were taken 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 first race in one of their iconic red cars has been eagerly anticipated ever since.
“I have been lucky enough to achieve many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, the podium, the win and the championship,” Hamilton said.
“I wasn't sure how many firsts I'd get, but driving the Scuderia Ferrari HP for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
“When I started the car and drove through the garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those feelings again.” “
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Fans explode in cheers and cheers as Lewis Hamilton arrives on the track for his first test session with Ferrari
What happened in Hamilton's first Ferrari test?
Hamilton completed 30 laps (55 miles) of the Fiorano circuit, just over a quarter of the normal Grand Prix distance.
After the installation lap, watched by his family and Ferrari dignitaries including team principal Frederic Vasseur and vice-president Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the garage before doing some fast laps and starting practice to get used to the systems.
Hamilton was driving behind a Ferrari for the first time in Formula One, having used Mercedes power exclusively since his 2007 debut with McLaren, before joining the German manufacturer's team in 2013.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Sky Sports News correspondent Craig Slater was on the ground in Italy to get the latest reaction to the Tifosi as Lewis Hamilton made his first laps in a Ferrari
After his test in the morning, Hamilton went out to meet some 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 first-hand as a Ferrari driver was amazing. This passion runs through their veins and you can't help but be energized by it.
“I am so grateful for the love I felt from everyone in Maranello this week. We have a lot of work to do but I can't wait to get started.”
Leclerc: A special moment for the team
All teams are still fully working on their new 2025 cars behind closed doors at their factories with just over a month to go until pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 26-28, ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. On March 16th.
Using the same SF-23 car, Hamilton's new teammate, Charles Leclerc, ran a different program in the afternoon and completed 14 laps in his first outing of 2025.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Take a look at what Lewis Hamilton did on his first day at Ferrari on Monday
“The first day in the car is always a great feeling after the holiday,” Leclerc said. “It's good to get back on track and see so many fans who came out to watch us.”
“Feeling all the excitement around the team is very motivating. It was a good day, although it was raining a little when I was driving.
“Of course it was nice to be able to see Lewis drive his first laps in the Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team and for him. Now I'm looking forward to getting back in the car next week and really starting to work hard for next season.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Frederic Vasseur gives his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari and whether there will be an adjustment period for the seven-time world champion
Team principal Vasseur added: “As is the case every year, the first time out on track is a bit like the first day back to school and it feels very emotional, especially today as it was Lewis' first day as part of the team.” a team.
“Welcoming a new driver is always a big moment. Today may have been less special for Charles, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and keen to get back racing again.
“On the technical side, Charles and Louis did their laps in weather that wasn't the best, but they got back into the swing of things and immersed themselves in the track environment ahead of the first proper test a month later in Bahrain. Also the team's warm-ups in the garage, that was the sole aim of this today.”
Watch all 24 weekends of the 2025 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime
