Hamilton: Driving a Ferrari the most effective emotions of my life

Lewis Hamilton has labelled his Ferrari Components 1 testing debut “the most effective emotions of my life” after finishing 30 laps at Fiorano.

Having spent two days getting in control along with his new crew in Maranello, Hamilton boarded the 2023 Ferrari SF-23 on a chilly and foggy morning on the Scuderia’s non-public check observe for his first laps in a Ferrari F1 automobile.

Regardless of the poor climate, tons of of Italian followers lined the observe to witness Ferrari’s star signing finishing 30 laps in damp circumstances, each on Pirelli moist and slick demo tyres. The 40-year-old’s Ferrari debut remained trouble-free, aside from just a few lock-ups within the chicane on a stone-cold and damp circuit.

After handing the Ferrari over to his new team-mate Charles Leclerc within the afternoon, Hamilton stated he was overjoyed by his first day in pink.

“I’ve been fortunate sufficient to have many firsts in my profession, from the primary check to the primary race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t positive what number of extra firsts I had,” Hamilton stated. “However driving a Scuderia Ferrari automobile for the primary time this morning was the most effective emotions of my life.

Watch: Hamilton makes Ferrari F1 check debut at Fiorano

“After I began the automobile up and drove via that storage door, I had the largest smile on my face. It jogged my memory of the very first time I examined a Components 1 automobile, it was such an thrilling and particular second, and right here I’m, virtually twenty years later, feeling these feelings once more.”

Hamilton went out of his approach to greet the tifosi on the fringe of the observe after his check run was accomplished, and stated he was “energised” by their famed ardour.

“I already knew from the surface how passionate the Ferrari household is, from everybody within the crew to the tifosi,” the seven-time world champion stated. “However to now witness it first-hand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring.

“That keenness runs via their veins and you’ll’t assist however be energised by it. I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, we now have a whole lot of work to do however I can’t wait to get began.”

Within the afternoon Leclerc accomplished 14 laps because the Monegasque additionally received his 2025 marketing campaign below manner.

The check passed off below the watchful eye of Ferrari vp Piero Ferrari, with Hamilton’s mom additionally travelling to Fiorano for the event.

Photographs from the Ferrari testing at Fiorano