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Lewis Hamilton said his first test in a Ferrari Formula 1 car was “awe-inspiring” and “one of the best feelings of my life”.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 40-year-old seven-time champion completed 30 laps of Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in cold, damp conditions on Wednesday in a 2023 Ferrari F1 car.<\/p>\n
Hamilton said: “When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi [fans].<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”<\/p>\n
Finishing his driving just after 11:00 local time (10:00 UK), Hamilton handed the car over to team-mate Charles Leclerc, who competed 14 laps in the afternoon.<\/p>\n
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur said: “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.<\/p>\n
“Maybe today was less special for Charles, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and keen to go racing again.”<\/p>\n
Hamilton’s run in the SF-23 – the most recent car he is allowed to drive under F1’s testing restrictions – is part of his acclimatisation work with his new team.<\/p>\n
His test follows two days of work at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, of which the Fiorano track is a part.<\/p>\n
Hamilton is also expected to test at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the coming weeks before experiencing the team’s 2025 model at its launch on 19 February.<\/p>\n
Hamilton will be limited to a total of 1,000km (621 miles) of what is known as testing of previous cars running by F1’s regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n