Crowds flock to Fiorano for first track day of the year

Lewis Hamilton took to the track for the first time as a Ferrari driver with crowds gathering for a glimpse of the seven-time World Champion in red.

The 40-year-old managed 30 laps (equal to 89km) in the fog around Fiorano and was joined by teammate Charles Leclerc, who himself racked up 14 laps. The conditions, coincidentally, echoed seven-time champ Michael Schumacher’s first drive as a Ferrarista at the same track in 1995.

Hamilton drove an SF-23 bearing his number 44 with Team Principal Fred Vasseur and his deputy Jerome d’Ambrosio watching on, later joined by Vice President Piero Ferrari. The British driver’s family were also in attendance as he switched from rain to slick tyres while practising flying laps and race starts.

After completing his session on track, Hamilton made his way over to the fans for a quick hello and to show thanks for their warm welcome.

“One of the best feelings of my life”

Hamilton reflected on the day’s events: "I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had but driving a Scuderia Ferrari 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.”

“Like the first day back at school”

Fred Vasseur: “As is the case every year, the first time you go out on track is a bit like the first day back at school and quite an emotional feeling, especially today as it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team. Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment.

As for the technical side, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the best weather, but they got back in the swing of things and immersed themselves in the track environment prior to the first proper test in a month’s time in Bahrain. It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. That was the sole purpose of today."

words: Mike Booth
pictures & video: Scuderia Ferrari