On January 22, Lewis Hamilton had the opportunity to drive a Ferrari single-seater for the first time and described the experience as one of the best of his life. At the Fiorano test track, Hamilton got behind the wheel of a 2023 specification Ferrari SF-23 with his iconic race number 44. During the test, he showcased a new helmet design in yellow featuring the Cavallino Rampante logo prominently.
The British driver, a seven-time world champion, began his first lap around 9:16 in the morning amidst a slight fog. In a special gesture, Hamilton waved twice to the crowd of around a thousand spectators who gathered on a nearby bridge despite the cold and rain. Hamilton expressed, "When I started the car and went through the garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face." This was his first experience in a Ferrari single-seater since leaving Mercedes to join the Italian team for the 2025 season.
Throughout the day, Hamilton interacted with the tifosi, Ferrari fans who patiently waited in the rain to see him in action. The SF-23 is Ferrari's latest and eligible single-seater, while preseason testing for the new season's cars is scheduled from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain.
After reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open, world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner expressed his impression of Hamilton's debut with Ferrari. Hamilton's mother was present at the event, and the driver highlighted the significance of this opportunity in his career: "Driving a Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life."
Hamilton decided to join Ferrari after a successful 12-year career with Mercedes, during which he won six of his seven world titles. Although F1 regulations restrict testing with current single-seaters, Hamilton can drive up to a thousand kilometers in older cars under the 'previous single-seater testing' rule. Dressed in a red Ferrari jacket, Hamilton expressed his gratitude and excitement during this new phase of his Formula 1 career.
