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 workforce’s Components 1 vehicles. Hamilton, driving the SF-23—the workforce’s 2023 automotive—marked the start of his Ferrari journey, an occasion eagerly anticipated regardless of considerations that opposed climate may delay the session.
Thick fog and moist monitor 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 collection of set up laps with none main points. For followers, the sight of Hamilton in Ferrari colours was sufficient to ignite goals of championship glory, with many already hoping he can convey dwelling an eighth title this season.
Over the approaching weeks, Lewis Hamilton’s preparations will proceed within the simulator, culminating in a quick demonstration run with teammate Charles Leclerc on February 19. This would be the first time the pair take a look at Ferrari’s 2025 automotive 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 extensive at a decent right-hand nook on the moist monitor.
Reasonably 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, “It’s good to make errors right here to be good within the race,” whereas one other stated, “Locking up is an effective signal; it reveals he’s pushing the automotive to its limits.”
Others identified the distinctive challenges of Fiorano’s format. “Fiorano is just too small and cramped… a 50s monitor for 2025 vehicles,” 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 putting new helmet that includes a Modena Yellow tone designed in collaboration with the Maranello workforce. This variation, together with the sight of his iconic quantity 44 on a Ferrari for the primary time, was a putting departure from its lengthy affiliation with Mercedes. The final time a driver gained a race in a Ferrari carrying the quantity 44 was in the course of the early days of Components 1, making this second all of the extra particular.
Lewis Hamilton’s consideration to element even extends to his upcoming race go well with and Ferrari’s 2025 livery, each of which will likely be unveiled at February’s F1 75 occasion in London. Identified for his fashion-forward type, it’s seemingly Hamilton had enter into the design, additional cementing his affect on the workforce.
Because the British driver adjusts to his new surroundings, followers and critics alike are wanting to see if he can elevate Ferrari’s efficiency and declare an eighth world championship. Whereas there’s nonetheless a lot work to be executed, the early indicators counsel Hamilton is embracing the problem, errors and all, with the total help of Ferrari’s passionate fanbase.