Lewis Hamilton is conducting his maiden track outing in the Ferrari SF-25, the car that he will race with during his debut season with the team in Formula 1 in 2025.
Ferrari is shaking down its machine for the upcoming campaign at the Fiorano test track that neighbours the iconic Maranello campus where the SF-25 was constructed.
Charles Leclerc piloted the car, which comprises a darker red base compared to previous iterations, in the morning prior to handing over the driving duties to Hamilton.
Ferrari’s shakedown behind closed doors – though spectators have aligned the vantage points that surround the venue – with the side’s latest car is limited to 200 kilometres.
Hamilton was sporting the same yellow helmet design that he unveiled when he made his original Ferrari outing earlier this month using the squad’s 2023-spec SF-23.
But while he counted that landmark moment among his greatest in the sport, the seven-time F1 champion admitted that getting to drive a Ferrari that he will race would top it.
“I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to be here at Ferrari, so it’s something I’m really grateful for and proud of. This car will be my car and Charles’ car,” he expressed.
“So far I’ve driven the old car, a couple of older cars that were built for other drivers, but this one was built for me and Charles.”
Hamilton makes first Ferrari public appearance
Hamilton’s run in the Italian marque’s new scarlet red challenger succeeded his opening public appearance as a Ferrari driver at F1’s season launch event at the O2.
The Briton was present alongside Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur and new team-mate Leclerc on Tuesday night in London to unveil the revised livery to the world on a show car.
Hamilton, who had claimed that remaining with Mercedes would’ve been a bigger gamble, admitted that the move to Ferrari has energised him more than he expected.
Good evening everyone,” Hamilton said to a rapturous reception at the packed arena. “Such a great night to be here among all of you.
“The word I am thinking about is ‘invigorated’. I feel so full of life, because everything is new. Just focused on what’s ahead. I am so excited to be part of the team.”
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