Ferrari's SF-25 hits the track as Hamilton and Leclerc begin 2025 F1 season preparations

Ferrari’s highly anticipated 2025 Formula One car, the SF-25, made its track debut on Wednesday, with Charles Leclerc and new teammate Lewis Hamilton taking turns behind the wheel. Leclerc was the first to hit the Fiorano circuit before handing over to Hamilton, a seven-time world champion making his much-awaited Ferrari debut.

Fresh off its livery reveal in London, the SF-25—a refined evolution of last year’s model—was put through its paces as enthusiastic fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the action. "We drove the car today and I can see the craziness around the track, and that's amazing to see," Leclerc shared with reporters.

Ferrari enters the 2025 season determined to end a 17-year title drought, having last claimed the constructors' championship in 2008. After finishing as runners-up to McLaren last season, the team hopes for an even more competitive campaign when the season kicks off in Australia on March 16, following pre-season testing in Bahrain next week.

For Hamilton, the move to Ferrari represents a fresh challenge. "Today is a huge day for me," the 40-year-old said in a video released during the launch. "I knew that I needed something new, I knew I needed this new challenge. I think when I got here, I realised just how much I needed it and how great it felt. And we're literally walking around with a smile, such a big smile on my face every day I come to work. It's very revitalising."

Since arriving in Maranello last month, Hamilton has fully immersed himself in Ferrari culture. He personally greeted all 1,500 employees with his signature firm handshake and has set up his mobile home next to Enzo Ferrari’s historic residence at Fiorano. His daily routine includes early morning runs around the circuit, extensive simulator sessions, and long hours at the factory.

"We've been here until 10 p.m. at night and it's like no one wants to go home," he said. "Everyone's just so dedicated, and we have such a steep learning curve to come across together. I anticipated it would be tough, and it very much is, but we're working towards something really exciting."

Hamilton’s transition has also seen the return of his longtime trainer and physio, Angela Cullen. Additionally, Ferrari’s in-house chef has been kept busy accommodating the Briton’s vegan diet, while Hamilton has begun learning Italian, though he admits he is still finding his footing with the language.

Team principal Fred Vasseur is pleased with how things are shaping up, particularly the chemistry between Hamilton and Leclerc. "At this part of the season, all the teams are world champions, all the teammates are in their honeymoon, and so on and so on," Vasseur said with a smile. "We are starting in very good shape now. The most important thing is to keep this relationship, to continue to work as a team and to push as a team. But I'm quite confident."

As Ferrari embarks on a pivotal 2025 campaign, the partnership between Hamilton and Leclerc, combined with the promise of the SF-25, could be the key to reigniting the Scuderia’s championship ambitions.

SportsLigue