Lewis Hamilton took Ferrari’s 2025 Components 1 automobile for its first spin on Wednesday, marking the start of what guarantees to be a historic chapter in each his profession and the game’s historical past. The SF-25, which is already being hailed as a milestone machine, will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come back, no matter whether or not it meets the lofty expectations surrounding Hamilton’s high-profile switch to the Maranello group.
Earlier than Hamilton’s inaugural drive, Charles Leclerc was first to take the wheel on the Fiorano check observe, situated close to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello. The scene was harking back to Hamilton’s first outing in January, when he examined the 2023 automobile, as hundreds of followers turned out to witness the historic second.
This week has been particularly emotional for Hamilton, who acquired an amazing reception throughout the F1 75 season launch occasion on the O2 Enviornment on Tuesday. Group principal Fred Vasseur revealed that the seven-time world champion was visibly moved by the event, the place he was greeted with the loudest cheer of the night time as he walked onto the stage alongside Leclerc and Vasseur.
Whereas there have been some studies of Leclerc stopping on observe within the new automobile, Ferrari has insisted that the whole lot ran easily. The true check for the SF-25 will are available lower than per week on the Bahrain pre-season testing, the place each drivers can be higher positioned to evaluate the automobile’s efficiency, with lap occasions being publicly revealed. The shakedown session, nonetheless, was primarily centered on resolving technical points quite than testing general pace.
Within the meantime, Hamilton has already began to make an enduring impression at Ferrari. Having reunited along with his long-time coach Angela Cullen, Hamilton can also be working carefully with Loic Serra, the previous Mercedes engineer now liable for his chassis. Moreover, Jerome D’Ambrosio, the previous Mercedes academy head who now serves as Ferrari’s deputy to Vasseur, spoke with admiration about Hamilton’s efforts to attach along with his new colleagues. On his very first day, Hamilton made it a degree to personally meet and shake fingers with almost each member of Ferrari’s 1,500-strong workforce—an “superb” gesture that rapidly received him the love of the group.
Hamilton’s immersion into the Ferrari tradition has prolonged past the manufacturing facility flooring. He has been dwelling in a motorhome on the Maranello facility and has been inviting his engineers to hitch him for lunch as he fosters bonds along with his new group. His efforts to combine himself each on and off the observe are already making a major impression, because the Ferrari group eagerly anticipates the 2025 season with their new star driver.
Jerome D’Ambrosio talked about that Hamilton was fairly exceptional with individuals and that the group had already developed a powerful affection for him after simply the primary day.
The British driver admitted that he nonetheless finds it surreal to be a Ferrari driver, a dream he has held all through his total profession. Nevertheless, he is aware of that in some unspecified time in the future, the preliminary pleasure should fade. As he pursues a record-breaking eighth world championship, he understands the necessity to stay centered and never let feelings cloud his efficiency.
The reception Hamilton acquired at Maranello left him ‘blown away,’ and he expressed his appreciation for the fervour that radiates throughout the Ferrari manufacturing facility. This enthusiasm is one thing he deeply enjoys and cherishes.
Jerome D’Ambrosio’s feedback align with these made by former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, who famous that Hamilton has made an enduring impression on everybody along with his angle. This optimistic response is certain to be a supply of delight for Ferrari’s chairman, John Elkann, notably given the numerous funding the group has made in bringing the seven-time world champion on board.
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