Lewis Hamilton has described his first expertise of driving a Ferrari Formulation 1 automobile as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
Hamilton bought behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari F1 automobile on Wednesday on the Scuderia’s Fiorano check observe in entrance of round 1500 followers, along with his first laps caught by Sky Sports activities Information’ cameras – and reporter Craig Slater.
The 40-year-old’s shock transfer to go away Mercedes and be part of Ferrari was introduced 12 months in the past and his maiden run in one among their iconic crimson automobiles had been eagerly anticipated since then.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship,” stated Hamilton.
“I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life.”
“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again.”
What occurred in Hamilton’s first check?
Hamilton accomplished 30 laps (55 miles), which is simply over 1 / 4 of a traditional Grand Prix distance.
After an set up lap, watched by his household and senior figures at Ferrari together with group principal Frederic Vasseur and vice chairman Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the storage earlier than doing a little flying laps and apply begins to get used to the techniques.
Hamilton was driving with a Ferrari engine behind him for the primary time in F1, having solely used Mercedes energy since his debut in 2007 at McLaren, earlier than becoming a member of the German producer’s personal group in 2013.
After his check within the morning, Hamilton went out to fulfill among the Tifosi to thank them for popping out to see the historic second.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi!” he stated.
“But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it.
“I am so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, we’ve got a number of work to do however I can not wait to get began.”
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