Lewis Hamilton has described his first experience of driving a Ferrari F1 car as “one of the best feelings of my life”. The Brit, 40 began his tenure with his new team this week, travelling to their Maranello base in Italy to meet his colleagues.
On Wednesday he had his first taste of Ferrari F1 machinery, taking their 2023 car for a spin around the Fiorano test track adjacent to the factory.
A large crowd of enthusiastic fans gathered at the circuit to support him, some waving Union Flags and many donning Ferrari merchandise.
After completing 30 laps, Hamilton emerged from a black SUV to acknowledge them with a smile and wave, while his mother proudly captured the scenes on her phone.
Following the event, the seven-time champion said: “Driving a Scuderia Ferrari car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life. When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face.
“It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi! But to now witness it first-hand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring.
“That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it.”
Team principal Frederic Vasseur said: “Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the best weather, but they got back in the swing of things and immersed themselves in the track environment prior to the first proper test in a month’s time in Bahrain.
“It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. That was the sole purpose of today.
“As is the case every year, the first time you go out on track is a bit like the first day back at school and quite an emotional feeling, especially today as it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team. Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment.
“Maybe today was less special for Charles, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and keen to go racing again.”
Despite the less than ideal weather conditions, with dense fog covering the circuit, seven-time world champion Hamilton got behind the wheel in a rainy session at Fiorano, which saw teammate Charles Leclerc restricted to only 14 laps.
It was the opening day of multiple test sessions arranged by Ferrari to bring their new recruit up to speed.
Hamilton will partake in further testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with the team securing several days at the venue.
He will also attend the launch of his first Ferrari car at the London O2 Arena on February 18.
Following that, Hamilton will take part in the first test with the car in Bahrain towards the end of February, before the season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.
