Ferrari followers braved freezing circumstances at Fiorano on Wednesday morning to witness a second of historical past as Lewis Hamilton accomplished his first laps in one of many group’s System 1 automobiles. Hamilton, driving the SF-23—the group’s 2023 automobile—marked the start of his Ferrari journey, an occasion eagerly anticipated regardless of considerations that hostile climate may delay the session.
Thick fog and moist observe circumstances set the stage for Lewis Hamilton’s debut, requiring him to start out the morning on moist tyres. Nonetheless, the seven-time world champion accomplished a sequence of set up laps with none main points. For followers, the sight of Hamilton in Ferrari colours was sufficient to ignite desires of championship glory, with many already hoping he can deliver dwelling an eighth title this season.
Over the approaching weeks, Lewis Hamilton’s preparations will proceed within the simulator, culminating in a short demonstration run with teammate Charles Leclerc on February 19. This would be the first time the pair check Ferrari’s 2025 automobile earlier than pre-season testing kicks off in Bahrain. Regardless of the challenges of adapting to new equipment and circumstances, Hamilton’s early efficiency has left followers optimistic about his potential debut on the Australian Grand Prix.
Ferrari Followers Discover Positivity in Lewis Hamilton’s Minor Mistake
Whereas Lewis Hamilton’s first run almost went flawlessly, eagle-eyed followers noticed a minor error earlier than he returned to the storage. In a video shared by photographer Giuseppe Chiaromonte, Hamilton is seen locking his wheels and operating huge at a decent right-hand nook on the moist observe.
Relatively than sparking criticism, this small mistake appeared to endear him additional to the Tifosi. Feedback flooded social media, many emphasizing the worth of such errors throughout testing. One fan remarked, “You might want to make errors right here to be good within the race,” whereas one other mentioned, “Locking up is an efficient signal; it reveals he’s pushing the automobile to its limits.”
Others identified the distinctive challenges of Fiorano’s format. “Fiorano is simply too small and cramped… a 50s observe for 2025 automobiles,” one commenter famous. One other chimed in with humor, quipping, “The second mistake was signing the contract.” Regardless of this lighthearted jab, the general sentiment was overwhelmingly constructive, with followers commending Hamilton’s dedication to adapting to the Ferrari method.
Lewis Hamilton’s New Helmet and the Return of 44 to Ferrari
Including to the historic nature of the day, Lewis Hamilton debuted a hanging new helmet that includes a Modena Yellow tone designed in collaboration with the Maranello group. This variation, together with the sight of his iconic quantity 44 on a Ferrari for the primary time, was a hanging departure from its lengthy affiliation with Mercedes. The final time a driver gained a race in a Ferrari carrying the quantity 44 was through the early days of System 1, making this second all of the extra particular.
Lewis Hamilton’s consideration to element even extends to his upcoming race swimsuit and Ferrari’s 2025 livery, each of which will likely be unveiled at February’s F1 75 occasion in London. Recognized for his fashion-forward fashion, it’s possible Hamilton had enter into the design, additional cementing his affect on the group.
Because the British driver adjusts to his new atmosphere, followers and critics alike are desirous to see if he can elevate Ferrari’s efficiency and declare an eighth world championship. Whereas there’s nonetheless a lot work to be finished, the early indicators recommend Hamilton is embracing the problem, errors and all, with the total assist of Ferrari’s passionate fanbase.