Lewis Hamilton expressed that his debut outing in a Ferrari Formula 1 car was “one of the best feelings of my life” as he completed 30 laps at the team’s Fiorano track.
Hamilton’s maiden appearance commanded mass attention as spectators, the media and photographers alike all lined the vantage points that surround the venue.
The Briton, sporting a yellow helmet design with red accents that he unveiled earlier in the day, ventured out onto the circuit in Ferrari’s 2023 car, the SF-23, at 9:16 am.
The SF-23, which won a single race through Hamilton’s predecessor Carlos Sainz, is the latest machine at Ferrari’s disposal under the Testing of Previous Cars [TPC] scheme.
The damp asphalt meant Hamilton navigated his first tour at a tentative pace, taking the chance to wave to those who had come to see his historic moment in person.
Hamilton then retreated to the garage where the routine car checks took place prior to being sent out to conduct several short runs as he got to grips with a Ferrari.
According to The Race, Hamilton’s initial 10-lap stint, completed on Wet tyres, was sandwiched between practice starts that allowed him to experience that procedure.
The track had dried once Hamilton embarked upon his next run plan, giving him an opening to use the Hard compound and push the car more than he had done before.
Hamilton was photographed locking up and going wide on one lap, indicating the cold temperatures contributed to there being minimal grip on the white-walled rubber.
The seven-time F1 champion underwent one last five-lap stint to end his run and then headed down towards the overpass where most people spectating had been stationed.
“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 HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life,” Hamilton said.
“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. 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.
“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 energised 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.”
Charles Leclerc’s mileage took place in even more adverse conditions, limiting him to 14 laps. The Monegasque replicated Hamilton as he greeted the fans who had remained.
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur added: “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.
“Maybe today was less special for Charles, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and keen to go racing again.
“As for the technical side, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the best weather, but they got back in the swing of things and immersed themselves in the track environment prior to the first proper test in a month’s time in Bahrain. It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. That was the sole purpose of today.”
Despite his total lap count amounting to around 100km in a previous car, Hamilton’s opening run would’ve at least helped him understand the characteristics of a Ferrari.
Ferrari hasn’t announced his next outing, but it is expected that he and the team will go to Barcelona – a conventional track – prior to pre-season testing next month.
READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton conducts debut Ferrari F1 outing at Fiorano
