Lewis Hamilton hits the track for Ferrari, realizing a lifelong dream

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton had his first on-track experience with Ferrari, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to drive for the iconic Italian team. The test took place on a misty Wednesday morning at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit in Maranello, drawing a crowd of passionate fans eager to witness the historic moment.

Hamilton, who announced his departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari in February last year, took to the track in the SF-23—Ferrari's 2023 F1 model—at precisely 9:16 a.m. local time. The 40-year-old Briton debuted a striking bright yellow helmet as he began his first official week with Ferrari, which kicked off Monday at the team's headquarters.

While Hamilton will have to wait for the official pre-season testing in Bahrain (Feb. 26-28) to get acquainted with the 2025 car, he is currently limited to running older models under the Testing of Previous Cars (TCP) rules, which permit only cars at least two years old.

Teaming up with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton will aim to restore Ferrari to its former glory when the 2025 season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 14-16. The Scuderia, Formula One's most successful and storied team, has not won a drivers' championship since 2007 or a constructors' title since 2008.

Hamilton, who won six of his seven championships at Mercedes, is determined to end Ferrari's title drought. While his last championship win came in 2020, the veteran driver found success in 2024, securing two race victories after a two-year dry spell. Ferrari narrowly missed out on the constructors' title last season, finishing a close second to McLaren, but hopes Hamilton’s experience can propel them back to the top of the sport.

SportsLigue