Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari F1 driver ‘excited’ after first test for new team in Fiorano ahead of 2025 Formula 1 season | F1 news
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 Ferrari’s 2023 F1 car on Wednesday at the Scuderia’s Fiorano test track in front of around 1,500 fans, and his first laps were captured 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 drive in one of their iconic red cars has been eagerly awaited ever since.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of first successes 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 had, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
“When I started the car and walked 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 such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, I feel those emotions again.”
What happened in Hamilton’s first test?
Hamilton completed 30 laps (55 miles), just over a quarter of the normal Grand Prix distance.
After the installation lap, which was watched by his family and higher-ups at Ferrari, including team principal Frederic Vasseur and vice-president Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the garage before doing a few flying laps and starting practice to get used to the systems.
Hamilton was driving with a Ferrari engine behind him for the first time in F1, having used exclusively Mercedes power since his 2007 debut at McLaren, before joining the German manufacturer’s team in 2013.
After the morning test, Hamilton went out to meet some of the Tifosi to thank them for coming 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 witness it first hand as a Ferrari driver was amazing. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be fueled by it.
“I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”
Watch all 24 race 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 with INSTANT – No contract, cancel anytime
