Lewis Hamilton stated his first take a look at in a Ferrari Formulation 1 automobile was “awe-inspiring” and “among the best emotions of my life”.
The 40-year-old seven-time champion accomplished 30 laps of Ferrari’s Fiorano take a look at observe in chilly, damp circumstances on Wednesday in a 2023 Ferrari F1 automobile.
Hamilton stated: “Once I began the automobile up and drove by that storage door, I had the most important smile on my face.
“It jogged my memory of the very first time I examined a Formulation 1 automobile. It was such an thrilling and particular second, and right here I’m, virtually 20 years later, feeling these feelings yet again.
“I already knew from the skin how passionate the Ferrari household is, from everybody within the workforce to the tifosi [fans].
“However to now witness it first hand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That keenness runs by their veins and you’ll’t assist however be energised by it.
“I am so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, we’ve a number of work to do however I am unable to wait to get began.”
Ending his driving simply after 11:00 native time (10:00 UK), Hamilton handed the automobile over to team-mate Charles Leclerc, who competed 14 laps within the afternoon.
Ferrari workforce principal Frederic Vasseur stated: “As is the case yearly, the primary time you exit on observe is a bit like the primary day again in school and fairly an emotional feeling, particularly in the present day because it was Lewis’ first day as a part of the workforce. Welcoming a brand new driver is all the time an essential second.
“Perhaps in the present day was much less particular for Charles, but it surely was good to see him match, relaxed and eager to go racing once more.”
Hamilton’s run within the SF-23 – the newest automobile he’s allowed to drive underneath F1’s testing restrictions – is a part of his acclimatisation work along with his new workforce.
His take a look at follows two days of labor on the Ferrari manufacturing facility in Maranello, of which the Fiorano observe is a component.
Hamilton can be anticipated to check at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya within the coming weeks earlier than experiencing the workforce’s 2025 mannequin at its launch on 19 February.
Hamilton will probably be restricted to a complete of 1,000km (621 miles) of what’s often called testing of earlier vehicles working by F1’s rules.
