We are leaving behind a very busy and historical few days for the Formula 1 World. After giving the first appearance with his new team Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton took to the track with his Ferrari F1 car today and became the center of the news.
This was an important moment because Lewis Hamilton, who is statistically the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, also came together with the most successful team in Formula 1 history.
Another reason that made today’s tests special for Hamilton was that Hamilton, who has been competing in Formula 1 since 2007, used an F1 car without a Mercedes engine for the first time in 18 years.
Lewis Hamilton completed his first track day with Ferrari under difficult weather conditions. The seven-time world champion started working on the Fiorano track with heavy fog and light rain. The slippery surface caused by cold tires prevented Hamilton from accelerating fully and gaining confidence in the car. For this reason, the British pilot first did a limited number of laps in order to get used to Ferrari’s working methods, power unit and his new team.
Hamilton’s First Ferrari Experience
Hamilton made his first runs of the day with the Ferrari SF-23. The car, which was decorated with updated colors and new sponsors, attracted attention with the yellow Modena helmet and red inner pads that Hamilton introduced on social media this morning. However, Hamilton did not wear the official overalls he will wear in the 2025 season, but a standard training overall compatible with the sponsors. Ferrari’s 2025 F1 car and race overall design will be revealed at the launch event in London on February 18.
Difficult Weather Conditions and First Laps
Hamilton completed his first laps on wet-weather tires. Later, when the weather conditions improved somewhat, he switched to hard tires and continued with his program. However, the difficulties came again when the rain increased again. Hamilton’s first laps were marred by some minor errors; these included a few blocking and braking errors, as well as a long braking distance. During these first runs, Hamilton recorded lap times of around 1 minute.
Hamilton covered approximately 90 kilometers in the morning session. The rest of the day saw the car prepared for Charles Leclerc, with the Ferrari team continuing to work in the hope that weather conditions would improve in the afternoon sessions.
Next Stop Barcelona
Hamilton’s first drive with Ferrari marked the beginning of a familiarization process for the new season. Hamilton, who has completed only 90 kilometers of the 1,000 kilometers of testing in total, will take to the track in Barcelona on the next test day.
