'One of the best feelings of my life' - Hamilton on Ferrari test debut

Lewis Hamilton described his first Ferrari test as "one of the best feelings of my life" that reminded him of his first test of a Formula 1 car two decades ago.

Hamilton drove a Ferrari SF-23 at Fiorano on Wednesday, completing 30 laps of Ferrari's test track across three runs before handing over to 2025 team-mate Charles Leclerc.

That running began at 9.16am in damp conditions but Hamilton's later runs were conducted on slick tyres - Pirelli's 'Academy' rubber - and included practice starts as he acclimatised himself to the Ferrari cockpit.

His running was observed by team principal Fred Vasseur and his deputy Jerome d'Ambrosio, as well as Ferrari vice president Piero Ferrari.

"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 Ferrari for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life," said Hamilton.

"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."

The test was seen by a number of fans, who gathered early on an overpass overlooking Fiorano to see Hamilton's Ferrari debut despite the damp and foggy conditions that greeted them.

They were rewarded after Hamilton's post-session debrief by a visit from the seven-time F1 champion to thank them for watching on.

"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," added Hamilton.

"That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised 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."