British driver Lewis Hamilton got behind the wheel of a Ferrari single-seater for the first time, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Formula 1 with the iconic Italian team. At 40 years old and after 12 successful seasons with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles, Hamilton began to fulfill a childhood dream: driving a legendary red Ferrari car.
The British driver was at the wheel of a 2023-spec Ferrari SF-23 at the Fiorano test track; aboard the single-seater, Hamilton displayed his new helmet, which was a striking yellow with the Cavallino Rampante logo visible. The excitement of the thousands of fans gathered at the circuit to see him was palpable with cheering; despite the cold and rain, around a thousand tifosi patiently waited on a nearby bridge to celebrate each of Hamilton's laps, who did not hesitate to greet the crowd several times.
Midway through the day, the seven-time world champion made a gesture of affection towards his supporters by giving a thumbs up and touching his heart. The Fiorano test was not only symbolic but also strategic, as under F1 rules, testing with current single-seaters is restricted, but regulations allow for tests with older cars.
Hamilton was able to drive the SF-23 during a test day under the 'previous single-seater testing' rule, which will allow him to accumulate up to a thousand kilometers in the coming days. Preseason testing for the 2025 season is scheduled for late February in Bahrain, where Hamilton will begin to prepare thoroughly for his competitive debut with Ferrari.
Hamilton's signing with Ferrari, after more than a decade of success with Mercedes, was one of the most anticipated and discussed moves in recent Formula 1 history. Not only for what it means for his career but also for what it implies for the future of Formula 1 in general.
