Lewis Hamilton has described his maiden drive in a Ferrari Formula 1 car as one of the best days of his life, Afrosport reports.
The 40-year-old got behind the SF-23 at the Italian marque’s private race track in Fiorano on Wednesday, much to the thrill of thousands of fans of the Italian team that came to witness the occasion.
Hamilton completed 30 laps and revealed the experience reminded him of when he tested an F1 car for the first time in his career with McLaren almost two decades ago.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship,” the seven-time world champion said per Crash.net.
“So I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life.
“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face.
“It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost twenty years later, feeling those emotions all over again.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi!
“But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it.
“I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”
Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari 👊 pic.twitter.com/s5MxhYti5T
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 22, 2025
Reacting to event, Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc said: “Of course it was nice to be able to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team and for him. Now I’m looking forward to being back in the car next week and to really start working hard for the coming season.”
Hamilton ended his 12-year relationship with Mercedes last year and will now get his hands on the latest machinery when the pre-season test commences on on February 26 in Bahrain.
