'One of the best feelings'- Lewis Hamilton talks about driving a Ferrari for the first time

The whole world turned its head towards Maranello’s Fiorano test track to witness the historic moment of Lewis Hamilton driving a Ferrari car for the first time in his career. The 7-time world champion hasn't driven any car other than Mercedes in his 17-year F1 career.

Last year he decided to move to Ferrari from the 2025 F1 season over a multi-year deal. There he joins his old boss Fred Vasseur and new teammate Charles Leclerc. Earlier this week, he visited the Maranello headquarters and met people and fans. 

Then he went for his first car testing at the Fiorano testing track. The track is owned by the Maranello team and is located near Ferrari's founder, Enzo Ferrari’s house, where Hamilton stayed. Only Michael Schumacher and Hamilton have had the privilege to stay there. 

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Despite bad weather conditions, thousands of Tifosi gathered outside the track and waited for Lewis Hamilton to test the Ferrari car. When Lewis started his testing session, the fans were overjoyed and cheered him as he passed them.

ALSO WATCH: Fans roar as Lewis Hamilton drives Ferrari car for the first time in Maranello

Then Hamilton came with his mom, thanked the fans outside the track and even took pictures. The car that Hamilton drove was the 2023 model Ferrari. He did 30 laps in damp conditions with Pirelli slick demo tyres. The 40-year-old driver pushed the car to its limits and had lockups in the chicane.

'One of the best feelings,' Hamilton

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Hamilton was happy with his first testing session and said, “I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win, and championships. So I wasn't sure how many more firsts I had.” He added, “But driving a Scuderia Ferrari car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car.”

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Lewis also talked about the passionate fans of Ferrari. He said, “I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi. But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. The passion runs through their veins and you can't help but be energised by it. I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week. We have a lot of work to do but I can't wait to get started.”

After his testing session, he met Ferrari Vice President and son of Enzo Ferrari, Piero Ferrari. Both his father and mother were present during the historic occasion. His teammate Charles Leclerc also came for the testing session and he started his test after Hamilton. 

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