Hamilton soaks up ‘awe-inspiring’ Ferrari passion during first test

Lewis Hamilton says the passion that exists around Ferrari was “awe-inspiring” to experience after completing his first test for the team at Fiorano on Wednesday.

The seven-time world champion logged 30 laps of the Ferrari test track in Maranello, watched by crowds of fans who had gathered to try and gain a view of the circuit. Hamilton said driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time was one of the most special moments of his career, and the experience has left him hungry to begin racing for the team.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life,” Hamilton said.

“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 firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energized by it. 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.”

Hamilton’s run was followed by 14 laps in damp conditions for Charles Leclerc – Ferrari using up a combined 131km of its maximum 1000km of race driver running for the year – as the Monegasque began his 2025 schedule.

“The first day back in the car is always a great feeling after the holidays,” Leclerc said. “It’s good to be back on track, to see that so many fans came out to watch us. Feeling all this excitement surrounding the team is very motivating. It was a good day, even though it was raining a little bit when I was driving.

“Of course it was nice to be able to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team and for him. Now I’m looking forward to being back in the car next week and to really start working hard for the coming season.”

Team principal Fred Vasseur agreed it was a significant occasion for the two drivers, but stressed the importance of the running from an operational point of view as Hamilton began work with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami.

“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,” Vasseur said. “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.

“As for the technical side, 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.”