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Lewis Hamilton has described his first experience driving a Ferrari Formula One car as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
Hamilton was knocked out on his first lap at the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari F1 car in front of about 1,500 fans at the Scuderia’s Fiorano test track on Wednesday. sky sports news Camera – and reporter Craig Slater.
The 40-year-old announced his shock move to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari 12 months ago, and his debut in Ferrari’s iconic red car has been eagerly anticipated ever since .
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of firsts in my career, from first test to first race, podiums, wins and championships,” Hamilton said.
“I’m not sure how many firsts I have left, but driving the Scuderia Ferrari HP for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
“When I started the car and pulled through the garage door I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was an exciting and special moment , here I am feeling these emotions again almost 20 years later.”
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Fans erupted in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrived at the track for his first test with Ferrari
What happened in Hamilton’s first test?
Hamilton completed 30 laps (55 miles), just over a quarter of the normal grand prix distance.
After the installation lap, Hamilton returned to the garage in the presence of his family and Ferrari brass, including team principal Frederic Vasseur and vice-president Piero Ferrari, and did some flying laps and began practicing to get used to the system.
Hamilton, who made his F1 debut driving with a Ferrari engine, has been exclusively powered by Mercedes since debuting at McLaren in 2007 before joining the German manufacturer’s own team in 2013.
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Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater was on hand in Italy to get the latest reaction from Tifosi as Lewis Hamilton completed his first lap in the Ferrari
After the morning test, Hamilton went out to meet some Tifosi members and thanked them for coming to witness this historic moment.
“I already know from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to Tifosi!” he said.
“But to see it firsthand as a Ferrari driver now is amazing. They have this passion running through their veins and you can’t help but be motivated by it.”
“I’m so grateful for the love everyone in Maranello has shown me this week, we still have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”
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