Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton completed his highly anticipated first test with Ferrari on Wednesday at a damp Fiorano circuit. The day marked the beginning of a new chapter for Hamilton, as he took his first laps in Ferrari machinery under the watchful eyes of media, fans, and Ferrari engineers.
Hamilton’s inaugural run was conducted in Ferrari’s 2023 car, the SF-23, following F1’s “testing of previous cars” regulations. The session, which lasted through the morning, provided the British driver a crucial introduction to Ferrari’s car dynamics and procedures.
The Day at Fiorano: A Detailed Breakdown
Early Start on Wet Tyres
Hamilton’s first venture on track began at 9:16 a.m. local time under damp conditions. His opening installation lap, conducted on Pirelli demonstration wet tyres, was a cautious one, but Hamilton acknowledged the gathered fans with a wave as he made his way around the circuit.
After initial checks in the pits, Hamilton completed his first run of 10 laps on wets, familiarizing himself with Ferrari’s ground-effect design and executing practice starts.
Transition to Slicks
As the Fiorano track began to dry, Hamilton switched to hard slick tyres for his second run. The session revealed the circuit’s limited grip, with Hamilton experiencing a couple of lock-ups and briefly running wide at one corner. Despite the challenges, he completed another 10 laps, adding valuable data to Ferrari’s collection and getting accustomed to the car’s characteristics.
Final Stint and Fan Interaction
Hamilton concluded his day with a shorter five-lap run before stepping out of the car. Demonstrating his connection with the tifosi, Hamilton traveled to the far end of the circuit to greet the fans who had gathered on the overpass from the early hours, enduring damp and chilly conditions to witness history.
Rain Cuts Session Short
With rain intensifying after lunch, Ferrari opted to switch the car over to teammate Charles Leclerc, who conducted his own wet-weather laps in the afternoon. Hamilton’s approximately 100 kilometers of running matched the distance typically covered on a filming day, providing a solid foundation for his acclimatization to Ferrari machinery.
Looking Ahead
Ferrari has not yet confirmed the date of Hamilton’s next test, though it’s rumored he could have another outing at Fiorano before a scheduled team test in Barcelona later this month.
This initial session was more than just a technical exercise—it was a symbolic moment that underscored Ferrari’s high-stakes gamble on pairing the sport’s most successful driver with its legendary marque. The tifosi left Fiorano with hope and excitement for what this partnership might achieve in the 2025 season.
Hamilton’s debut in red marks the beginning of what could be one of the most intriguing narratives in F1 history.