Lewis Hamilton says the eagerness that exists round Ferrari was “awe-inspiring” to expertise after finishing his first check for the workforce at Fiorano on Wednesday.
The seven-time world champion logged 30 laps of the Ferrari check observe in Maranello, watched by crowds of followers who had gathered to attempt to achieve a view of the circuit. Hamilton mentioned driving a Ferrari System 1 automotive for the primary time was some of the particular moments of his profession, and the expertise has left him hungry to start racing for the workforce.
“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 certain what number of extra firsts I had, however driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP automotive for the primary time this morning was probably the greatest emotions of my life,” Hamilton mentioned.
“Once I began the automotive 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 System 1 automotive. It was such an thrilling and particular second, and right here I’m, nearly 20 years later, feeling these feelings once more.
“I already knew from the surface how passionate the Ferrari household is, from everybody within the workforce to the Tifosi. However to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That keenness runs via their veins and you may’t assist however be energized by it. I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, we’ve got a whole lot of work to do however I can’t wait to get began.”
Hamilton’s run was adopted by 14 laps in damp circumstances for Charles Leclerc – Ferrari utilizing up a mixed 131km of its most 1000km of race driver working for the 12 months – because the Monegasque started his 2025 schedule.
“The primary day again within the automotive is all the time an amazing feeling after the vacations,” Leclerc mentioned. “It’s good to be again on observe, to see that so many followers got here out to observe us. Feeling all this pleasure surrounding the workforce may be very motivating. It was an excellent day, though it was raining slightly bit once I was driving.
“In fact it was good to have the ability to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a particular second for the workforce and for him. Now I’m trying ahead to being again within the automotive subsequent week and to essentially begin working laborious for the approaching season.”
Crew principal Fred Vasseur agreed it was a major event for the 2 drivers, however pressured the significance of the working from an operational viewpoint as Hamilton started work together with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami.
“As is the case yearly, the primary time you exit on observe is a bit like the primary day again at college and fairly an emotional feeling, particularly immediately because it was Lewis’ first day as a part of the workforce,” Vasseur mentioned. “Welcoming a brand new driver is all the time an vital second. Perhaps immediately was much less particular for Charles, nevertheless it was good to see him match, relaxed and eager to go racing once more.
“As for the technical facet, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the most effective climate, however they acquired again within the swing of issues and immersed themselves within the observe surroundings previous to the primary correct check in a month’s time in Bahrain. It was additionally a warm-up for the workforce within the storage. That was the only objective of immediately.”
