“When I started the car, I had a huge smile”

Scuderia Ferrari describes this day as historic, the first laps of Lewis Hamilton in a Maranello single-seater, on the Fiorano circuit bordered by Tifosi.

Rain greeted Lewis Hamilton when he arrived at Ferrari on Monday, and this morning, thick fog took over. This slightly spoiled the view for the many fans gathered on the Via Giardini bridge, overlooking Ferrari's private circuit in Maranello. Coincidentally, the fog was also present on November 16, 1995, when Michael Schumacher, future seven-time world champion, completed his first laps at Fiorano.

A historic day for Ferrari

Today, at 9:16 a.m., an SF-23 bearing the number 44 left the garage for the first time. Hamilton completed an installation lap on wet tires, under the watchful eyes of Team Principal Fred Vasseur and his assistant Jérôme d'Ambrosio.

His family, also present, showed great excitement. Back in the pits, Hamilton remained in the car to speak by radio with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Then, in the presence of vice-president Piero Ferrari, the tests really began. Lewis put on slick tires and set fast laps while practicing standing starts to familiarize himself with the car's systems.

In total, he completed 30 laps, or 89 kilometers. He would no doubt have liked to do more, but TPC (Previous Car Testing) rules now impose a total limit of 1,000 kilometers for official team drivers. After a debriefing with the engineers, Lewis went to greet the assembled fans, thanking them for their warm welcome during his first days as a Ferrari driver.

Lewis Hamilton

I had a lot of firsts in my career: first test, first race, first podium, victory and title. I thought I wouldn't have many more “firsts” to experience, but driving a Ferrari for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life. When I started the car and walked through the garage door, I had a huge smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car. Almost twenty years later, to feel these emotions again is incredible.

I already knew, as an outside observer, how passionate the Ferrari family is, from the team to the fans. But to experience it from the inside as a Ferrari driver is incredible. This passion runs through their veins, and we can only be inspired by it. I am very grateful for all the love I received this week in Maranello. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I can't wait to get started.

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During the lunch break, the light drizzle cleared the fog. The Scuderia mechanics modified the car's configuration and, at 1:32 p.m., the SF-23, this time bearing Charles Leclerc's number 16, returned to the track. In the morning, the Monegasque was in a meeting in the Maranello offices, and 43 days after the end of season test in Abu Dhabi, he was back in the cockpit.

Leclerc followed a different program from that of Lewis, because the SF-23 no longer holds any secrets for him. Vasseur and d'Ambrosio again watched closely from the garage. Charles completed 14 laps, or 42 kilometers, bringing the day's total to 44 laps and 131 kilometers. At the end of the day, he also went to greet the fans who had braved the cold and humidity. Earlier, he had sparked their cheers with spectacular “doughnuts” on the track. The 2025 season is launched.

Fred Vasseur, Team Principal

Like every year, the first outing on the track is a bit like going back to school, a moment full of emotion. Today was even more special because it was Lewis' first day with the team. Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment. Perhaps the day was less memorable for Charles, but it was nice to see him fit, relaxed and eager to return to competition.

On the technical side, Charles and Lewis completed their laps in less than ideal weather conditions, but they regained their bearings and immersed themselves in the track environment, before the real tests planned in a month in Bahrain. It was also a good rehearsal for the team in the garage. This was the main objective of this day.