Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari F1 test drive took place at the iconic Fiorano circuit on Wednesday morning, signaling the beginning of a new era for both the legendary British driver and the storied Italian racing team.
The early morning session – which comes just a day after his Maranello factory visit – commenced at 9:16 AM local time and saw the seven-time F1 World Champion pilot the 2023-specification Ferrari SF-23, adorned with his signature racing number 44.
Amid light fog and misty conditions, fans gathered to watch Hamilton’s first Ferrari F1 test drive which initially started on wet weather tyres before transitioning to slick compounds as the track gradually dried throughout the morning.
The British driver completed approximately 30 laps around the 2.997-kilometer Fiorano circuit, providing him with an initial opportunity to familiarize himself with Ferrari’s operational dynamics and engine characteristics.
Hamilton’s first Ferrari F1 test drive was conducted under the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations which limit the seven-time world champion to a total of 1,000 kilometers of running.
Hamilton sported a distinctive yellow and red helmet reminiscent of his early career while symbolizing a fresh beginning with the Scuderia. He waved to the approximately 1,000 passionate Tifosi who had gathered at publicly accessible areas surrounding the circuit.
Hamilton’s first Ferrari F1 test drive represents the first tangible step in his highly anticipated transition from Mercedes – where he spent 12 remarkable years – to Ferrari, a move that has captivated the global motorsport community since its announcement in February 2024.
Therefore this opportunity is particularly significant as it marks his first experience with a Ferrari power unit, having exclusively used Mercedes engines throughout his previous Formula One career.
Ferrari’s strategic approach to Hamilton’s integration involves a carefully planned pre-season schedule. Following the Fiorano test, Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc are expected to continue their 2025 F1 preparations with a second private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya next week.
The drivers will then participate in Formula 1’s first-ever collective season-launch event in London, followed by the official unveiling of Ferrari’s 2025 car, codenamed Project 677.
The development of Project 677 has been overseen by Loic Serra, a former Mercedes colleague of Hamilton, adding an intriguing layer of continuity to Hamilton’s transition.
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After the car’s launch, the team will conduct a brief shakedown before the official pre-season test in Bahrain from February 26-28, setting the stage for the 2025 F1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents more than just a team change; it’s a convergence of two of motorsport’s most celebrated entities. He brings a record 105 race wins and joint-record seven world championships to a team with an unparalleled legacy of 15 drivers’ and 16 constructors’ titles.
However, the Italian team has not secured a title since 2008, creating a palpable sense of anticipation and potential for a remarkable resurgence.
Hamilton has been candid about his lifelong dream of racing for Ferrari. During his arrival at Maranello earlier this week, the 40-year-old driver expressed his excitement, stating that he has been fortunate to achieve things in his career he never imagined possible.
Hamilton’s first Ferrari test drive at Fiorano is more than a mere technical exercise; it symbolizes the beginning of a potentially transformative partnership. His expertise combined with the Scuderia’s rich racing heritage could potentially rewrite the history books during the 2025 F1 season.
