Leclerc labels Hamilton's first on-track day with Ferrari as "special"
Having completed his first laps in an F1 car this year, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc reckoned that it has been a special day for his future team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who made his on-track debut with the Scuderia on Wednesday morning.
Lewis Hamilton completed his first visit to Ferrari's Italian headquarters on Monday when he met engineers and the staff at the Scuderia's F1 department. The Briton then took part in photo shooting on Tuesday before performing work in the simulator.
Hamilton then hit Ferrari's own test track at Fiorano on Wednesday. Even if weather was far from ideal, the seven-time F1 champion carried out some installation laps and start practices before racking up some mileages on the slick tyres to end the day with a total of 30 laps.
The 105-time F1 race winner was supported by his mother Carmen, his former trainer Angela Cullen while team boss Fred Vasseur and deputy team boss Jerome d'Amborosio also looked on.
While Hamilton put in his first laps with an F1 Ferrari in the morning, his future team-mate Charles Leclerc took over the car in the afternoon.
The Monégasque only racked up a total of 14 laps before performing some celebratory donuts for the watching fans while he also hinted that the Scuderia will carry on with its on-track running next week.
“The first day back in the car is always a great feeling after the holidays. It’s good to be back on track, to see that so many fans came out to watch us.
"Feeling all this excitement surrounding the team is very motivating. It was a good day, even though it was raining a little bit when I was driving.
“Of course it was nice to be able to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team and for him. Now I’m looking forward to being back in the car next week and to really start working hard for the coming season," Leclerc concluded.
