Lewis Hamilton Begins New Era with Ferrari at Fiorano Test Track
Lewis Hamilton has officially begun his journey with Ferrari, taking to the track for the first time as a Scuderia driver. The seven-time world champion turned laps in Ferrari’s 2023 Formula One car, the SF-23, at the team’s private Fiorano test track in Maranello, Italy, marking a historic moment in his illustrious career.
The outing took place on a foggy Wednesday morning, with Hamilton stepping into the cockpit shortly after 9 a.m. local time. Despite the chilly and overcast conditions, hordes of passionate Italian tifosi gathered outside the circuit, eager to catch a glimpse of their new hero. Dressed in Ferrari’s iconic red overalls and sporting a bright yellow helmet, Hamilton began his day on Pirelli’s wet demo tires, conducting initial systems checks as part of a filming day.
As the morning progressed, the weather briefly cleared, allowing Hamilton to switch to Pirelli’s hard slick tires. He completed several stints of up to 10 laps each, showcasing his trademark precision and adaptability. The only minor hiccups were a few harmless lock-ups at the hairpin, likely due to the near-freezing track conditions. By lunchtime, the rain had returned, but not before Hamilton had completed approximately 30 laps in the SF-23, all under the watchful eyes of hundreds of enthusiastic fans.
This on-track session followed a week of immersion for Hamilton at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. Earlier in the week, he visited the famous mansion of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, creating an instantly iconic image as he posed in front of the historic house in his signature stylish attire. Hamilton also spent time meeting key figures within the team, including team principal Fred Vasseur, chief executive Benedetto Vigna, and Enzo Ferrari’s son, Piero Ferrari.
In addition to these meetings, Hamilton underwent a seat fitting and spent time in Ferrari’s simulator, familiarizing himself with the team’s procedures and systems. Reflecting on his first days with Ferrari, Hamilton took to Instagram to share his excitement, writing:
“There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever, and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days. I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today. Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”
Wednesday’s test also marked Hamilton’s first on-track collaboration with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami. While Hamilton’s long-time ally Peter Bonnington remains at Mercedes, the Briton will be reunited with his former physio, Angela Cullen, who has joined Hamilton’s Project 44 company after a two-year hiatus.
Hamilton’s first outing with Ferrari was more than just a technical exercise—it was a symbolic moment that signaled the start of a new chapter for both the driver and the team. For Hamilton, it represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to race for the most iconic team in Formula One. For Ferrari, it marks the beginning of a new era, one they hope will see them return to the pinnacle of the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, the anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari continues to build. With his first laps now complete, the stage is set for what could be one of the most exciting chapters in Formula One history. For Hamilton, the dream of driving for Ferrari is no longer just a dream—it’s a reality, and the world is watching to see what comes next.
