Lewis Hamilton said the passion that exists around Ferrari was “awe-inspiring” after the team’s first test at Fiorano on Wednesday.
The seven-time world champion completed 30 laps of the Ferrari test track in Maranello, attracting the attention of scores of fans who gathered to watch the circuit. Hamilton said that driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time was one of the most special moments of his career and that the experience made him want to start racing for the team.
“I’m not sure how many more firsts there are, because I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test, to the first race, to the podium, to wins and wins, but I’ve driven a Scuderia Ferrari HP car. “This morning was one of the best feelings of my life,” Hamilton said.
“When I started the car and drove 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 now, almost 20 years later, I’m feeling that feeling again.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone on the team to Tifosi. But now, as a Ferrari driver, witnessing it firsthand was awe-inspiring. The passion runs through their veins, and you can’t help but be energized by it. I am so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week. “There is a lot of work to be done, but I can’t wait to get started.”
Hamilton’s run was followed by Charles Leclerc’s 14 laps in wet conditions as the Monegasque began its 2025 schedule. Ferrari used a total of 131 km of the maximum 1000 km of race drivers run per year.
“The first day back in the car after vacation is always a good feeling,” Leclerc said. “It’s great to get back to normal and see so many fans coming out to see us. It’s very motivating to feel all this excitement surrounding the team. It was a nice day, even though it rained a bit as we drove.
“Of course it was great to see Lewis driving the first lap in the Ferrari. It was a special moment for the team and for him. Now I’m looking forward to getting back in the car next week and working hard for next season.”
Team principal Fred Vasseur agreed it was a significant opportunity for both drivers, but emphasized the importance of the run from an operational perspective as Hamilton begins working with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.
“Like every year, going out on the track for the first time feels somewhat similar and emotional to the first day back at school, especially since today was Lewis’ first day as a member of the team,” Vasseur said. . “Welcoming new drivers is always an important moment. Today may have been a less special day for Charles, but it was great to see him healthy, comfortable and eager to get back to racing.
“On a technical level, Charles and Lewis performed laps in adverse weather conditions but bounced back to the conditions and immersed themselves in the track environment ahead of their first proper test in a month in Bahrain. It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. That was the only purpose of the day.”
