F1 releases video about Hamilton's first on-track day with Ferrari (video)
Having completed his first official visit to Ferrari's Maranello headquarters on Monday, Lewis Hamilton put in his first laps in an F1 Ferrari on Wednesday. Formula One has now released the video about the seven-time F1 champion's emotional day.
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 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.
Reflecting on his first on-track day with Ferrari, Hamilton hailed the experience as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life,” Hamilton reflected afterwards.
“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi! But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it.
“I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started," concluded Hamilton.
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.
