Sir Lewis Hamilton hit the track in Ferrari’s 2023 F1 car last Wednesday as part of his “immersion programme” and acclimatisation work with the team, hailing the experience as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
A highly anticipated debut since the announcement of his move to Ferrari, Hamilton—who has only driven Mercedes powered engines throughout his 18-year F1 career—completed thirty laps of the Fiorano circuit. Heading out in an SF-23, the most recent car he is allowed to drive under F1’s testing restrictions, in damp conditions amid a foggy morning, Hamilton’s family, the Tifosi, team principal Fred Vasseur, and deputy Jerome d’Ambrosio all watched from the sidelines.
“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face”, Hamilton reflected afterwards. “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 twenty years later, feeling those emotions all over again.”
As testing came to a close, having encompassed flying laps, practice starts and a team debrief, Hamilton then greeted the fans that had gathered to watch him.
“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.”
Vasseur also offered his thoughts: “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.”
Hamilton’s first official public appearance as a Scuderia Ferrari driver will be at the launch of the F1 season on the 18th of February at the O2 in London. Three days of official pre-season testing in Bahrain will then commence on the 26th of February before the start of the season at the Australian Grand Prix in March. Until then, Hamilton—who “can’t wait to get started” and is “grateful for the love from everyone in Maranello”—will continue spending the coming weeks integrating with the team as they push forward with their preparations for the 2025 season.