Lewis Hamilton said his first test in a Ferrari Formula 1 car was “inspiring” and “one of the best feelings of my life”.
The 40-year-old seven-time champion completed 30 laps of the Ferrari Fiorano test track in cold and damp conditions in a 2023 Ferrari F1 car on Wednesday.
Hamilton said: “When I started the car and drove through the garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face.
“It reminded me of the first time I tested a Formula 1 car. It was an exciting and special moment, and almost 20 years later I feel those emotions again.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi [fans].
“But witnessing it firsthand as a Ferrari driver was inspiring. This passion runs in their veins and you can’t help but draw energy from it.
“I am very grateful for the love I felt from everyone in Maranello this week. We have a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to get started.”
Finishing just after 11:00 local time (10:00 UK), Hamilton handed the car to teammate Charles Leclerc, who completed 14 laps in the afternoon.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur said: “Like every year, the first time on track is like the first day at school and brings a lot of emotion, especially today because it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team’s team. Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment.
“Today may have been less special for Charles, but it was good to see him in good shape, relaxed and eager to race again.”
Hamilton’s performances in the SF-23 – the latest car he is allowed to drive under F1’s testing restrictions – are part of his acclimatization work with his new team.
His test comes after two days of work at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, of which the Fiorano track is part.
Hamilton is also expected to test at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the coming weeks, before unveiling the team’s 2025 model at its launch on February 19.
Hamilton will be limited to a total of 1,000 km (621 miles) of so-called testing of previous cars running under F1 regulations.
