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 automobile he hopes will carry him to an eighth title.
His check got here simply sooner or later after making his first public look as a Ferrari driver on the F1 75 launch occasion, the place the staff unveiled their 2025 livery alongside the remainder of the grid. For almost a yr, followers have eagerly awaited the sight of Hamilton in Ferrari pink, and their enthusiasm was evident as he obtained a rousing reception upon taking the stage.
Crew 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, together 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 by means of its paces at Fiorano the subsequent 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 concern that introduced his automobile to a cease, although Ferrari remained unconcerned because the outing was merely a shakedown designed to establish and resolve such issues earlier than pre-season testing in Bahrain.
As with Hamilton’s preliminary go to to Maranello, hundreds of Ferrari followers gathered on the circuit, lining the bridge and surrounding areas to catch a glimpse of their new celebrity in motion. The sheer degree 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 stored it easy: “Grazie Tifosi.”
Hamilton Already Making an Influence at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival has already energized Ferrari, with former Scuderia driver Jean Alesi revealing that the staff is totally impressed by the Briton’s strategy 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 staff, 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 gained 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 word, Hamilton is decided to make his Ferrari stint a triumphant one. If the SF-25 proves to be a aggressive package deal, 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 thus lengthy.
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