Lewis Hamilton has formally taken his first laps in Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, the SF-25, marking a major milestone in his extremely anticipated transfer to Maranello. The seven-time world champion hit the Fiorano circuit on Wednesday, getting his first actual really feel for the automotive he hopes will carry him to an eighth title.
His check got here simply at some point after making his first public look as a Ferrari driver on the F1 75 launch occasion, the place the workforce unveiled their 2025 livery alongside the remainder of the grid. For almost a yr, followers have eagerly awaited the sight of Hamilton in Ferrari purple, and their enthusiasm was evident as he obtained a rousing reception upon taking the stage.
Group principal Frédéric Vasseur described Hamilton as “emotional” through the occasion, acknowledging how deeply the transfer to Ferrari resonates with the British driver. Racing for the Scuderia has been a lifelong dream, and now, along with his first check accomplished, that dream is rapidly changing into actuality.
Hamilton Begins Ferrari Period with First SF-25 Run at Fiorano
Losing no time, Ferrari returned to Italy instantly after the launch, placing the SF-25 via its paces at Fiorano the following day. Whereas Hamilton had already pushed final yr’s SF-23 throughout a personal check in January, this was his first true expertise behind the wheel of Ferrari’s newest machine.
Hamilton took to the observe within the afternoon session after teammate Charles Leclerc ran within the morning. Leclerc’s session was briefly disrupted by a technical problem that introduced his automotive to a cease, although Ferrari remained unconcerned because the outing was merely a shakedown designed to determine and resolve such issues earlier than pre-season testing in Bahrain.
As with Hamilton’s preliminary go to to Maranello, 1000’s of Ferrari followers gathered on the circuit, lining the bridge and surrounding areas to catch a glimpse of their new famous person in motion. The sheer stage of pleasure has been overwhelming, with the mayor of Maranello even declaring a state of emergency in January to assist police handle the inflow of supporters. Hamilton has absolutely embraced the eagerness of the Tifosi, displaying his appreciation with a message on social media following the check. Writing in Italian, he saved it easy: “Grazie Tifosi.”
Hamilton Already Making an Affect at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival has already energized Ferrari, with former Scuderia driver Jean Alesi revealing that the workforce is totally impressed by the Briton’s method behind the scenes. His dedication and work ethic are leaving a mark, even earlier than the season begins.
One other ex-driver of the Maranello workforce, Nigel Mansell, has additionally weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s prospects, predicting a “monumental” season in 2025. The 1992 champion believes Ferrari is lengthy overdue for a title, having final received the drivers’ championship in 2007 and the constructors’ crown in 2008. If Hamilton can break that drought, he’ll cement his place in Ferrari’s storied historical past.
Together with his time at Mercedes ending on a tough observe, Hamilton is decided to make his Ferrari stint a triumphant one. If the SF-25 proves to be a aggressive bundle, he may as soon as once more discover himself on the forefront of the title struggle, able to chase the record-breaking eighth championship that has eluded him for therefore lengthy.
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