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Lewis Hamilton has made his highly anticipated debut in a Ferrari Formula 1 car, marking a significant milestone as he prepares for his first season with the Italian team in 2025. The seven-time world champion's first run in Ferrari's SF-23 took place at the Fiorano test track, situated near the team's Maranello base in Italy. This moment follows nearly a year of anticipation since Hamilton's switch to Ferrari was announced.
Hamilton began his run at 9:16 AM local time on Wednesday, starting a new chapter with the Scuderia. "There are some days that you know you'll remember forever and today is one of those days," he expressed. "I've been lucky enough to achieve things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held onto that dream of racing in red." He described the day as a dream come true, excited to begin a new era at Ferrari.
The test session forms part of the team's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, which allows drivers to test cars from previous seasons. Hamilton drove the 2023 Ferrari, the most recent car allowed under F1's sporting regulations. While the car he drove differs from the one he will race in 2025, the session provided valuable time to familiarize himself with key elements like seating position, steering wheel controls, and the overall feel of the car, particularly the Ferrari engine, a new experience for Hamilton after spending his entire F1 career with Mercedes.
Prior to hitting the track, Hamilton had spent two days at Ferrari's Maranello factory, where he met with engineers, completed a seat fitting, and got acquainted with the team. He also shared his new helmet design, which features the striking yellow and red color scheme he used early in his career. His first laps in the Ferrari were closely followed by cameras, capturing the historic moment as fans gathered to witness his debut in the red car.
Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has hinted that Hamilton may also take part in upcoming tyre tests for Pirelli. This test represents more than just a technical exercise; it is a pivotal moment for Hamilton, who is hoping to secure his eighth championship with Ferrari and cement his legacy as one of the sport's greatest drivers.
"It's an emotional day for Lewis," said reporter Craig Slater, noting that Hamilton's family was present at the track to witness the special occasion. This test marks the beginning of Hamilton's journey with Ferrari, as he looks to add to his record 105 Grand Prix victories and compete for another world title with the sport's most successful team.
