Lewis Hamilton had the opportunity to drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time on Wednesday, and he expressed that it was “one of the best feelings of my life.”
Hamilton took to the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari SF-23, which displayed his racing number 44, at the team’s Fiorano test facility. He debuted a new helmet design featuring yellow hues and a striking Prancing Horse emblem.
The British racer, aged 40, commenced his first lap at 9:16 a.m. local time, amid light fog. Despite the chilly, damp weather, around 1,000 fans gathered on a nearby bridge to catch a glimpse of the iconic driver, and Hamilton acknowledged them with waves.
“The moment I started the car and rolled through that garage door, I couldn’t help but smile,” Hamilton reflected on this significant chapter in his career since joining Ferrari for the 2025 season. He noted that the experience reminded him of the exhilaration he felt during his first ever Formula 1 test, calling it a thrilling and special occasion. “Nearly two decades later, I am reliving those emotions,” he added.
Later in the day, Hamilton made his way to the fans who braved the weather for hours in hopes of seeing him in action. Clad in a red Ferrari jacket, he acknowledged them with a wave, a thumbs-up, and by placing a hand on his heart. Among those in attendance was Hamilton’s mother, adding a personal touch to the moment.
“I’ve had many significant milestones in my career, from my initial test to my first race, podium, victory, and championship,” Hamilton continued. “I wasn’t sure how many more unique experiences I would have, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari car today has been incredible and ranks among the absolute best feelings I’ve experienced.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has stirred considerable excitement in the F1 community as he transitions after 12 successful years with Mercedes, where he claimed six of his seven world titles.
The enthusiasm for Hamilton’s debut was echoed by Italy’s tennis star Jannik Sinner, who recently reached the semifinals at the Australian Open. When asked about Hamilton’s Ferrari debut, Sinner remarked, “It’s definitely strange to see him in red, but I believe it will be a fantastic season ahead.”
Arriving at Ferrari’s Maranello base on Monday marked the start of Hamilton’s journey with the new team, where he acknowledged he was realizing a childhood dream. “I always understood the immense passion of the Ferrari family, from the team to the tifosi (fans),” he said. “Witnessing it up close as part of the Ferrari team has been truly inspiring. Their passion is undeniable and invigorating.”
Formula 1 maintains strict regulations regarding testing current-specification vehicles, but older models like the SF-23 are exempt from these rules. Under the 2025 regulations, Hamilton is permitted to drive up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) in previous F1 cars over four days, making the SF-23 a prime candidate for this test.
Pre-season testing for the upcoming season is scheduled to take place in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.
