Lewis Hamilton has described his Ferrari debut as “one of the best feelings of my life” after completing a private test at the team’s Fiorano test track on Wednesday.

Hamilton completed 30 laps at Fiorano on Wednesday at the wheel of the 2023 SF-23 car before handing over to new teammate Charles Leclerc for the afternoon session.

The seven-time world champion’s debut drew a huge crowd, with hundreds of fans there to witness Hamilton’s debut in the event.

Hamilton took time out of his busy schedule to greet fans after his race concluded.

A Ferrari report on the test said: “A highly anticipated debut in a red car for one driver and the first outing of the season for another were the items on the agenda for Scuderia Ferrari HP at the Fiorano track today as the team got its first track experience of the 2025 season.

“On Monday, rain had accompanied Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari and today, that gave way to a fairly thick fog that somewhat spoiled the view for the large number of fans who had gathered on the Via Giardini flyover in Maranello, which runs alongside the Ferrari-owned test track.

“Coincidentally, fog was also a factor on 16 November 1995, when Michael Schumacher, later to become seven-time world champion, completed his first lap at Fiorano.

“Today at 9.16 a.m. an SF-23 bearing the number 44 left the garage for the first time, for a single installation lap on wet tyres, under the watchful eye of team principal Fred Vasseur and his deputy Jerome d’Ambrosio.

“Lewis’ family members were also there and were clearly emotional. Once back in the pits, the Englishman stayed in the car, speaking to his race engineer Riccardo Adami on the radio.

“Then, with Vice President Piero Ferrari in attendance, the test began, with Lewis going out on slick tyres, putting in some fast laps and practising some runs to familiarise himself with all the car’s systems.

“He completed a total of 30 laps, equivalent to 89 kilometres: he would certainly have liked to do more, but from this year, even the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) tests that allow teams to use cars that are at least two years old, can only cover a total of a thousand kilometres in the hands of the teams’ race drivers.

“Following the ensuing briefing with the engineers, Lewis walked around the corner to where the fans were gathered to greet them and thank them for the warm welcome during his early days as a Ferrari fan.

“During the lunch break, the fog cleared with a light drizzle as the Scuderia mechanics changed the car’s configuration, after which, at 13.32, the SF-23 returned to the track with the number 16 of Charles Leclerc.

“In the morning, the Monegasque driver had been in a meeting at the Maranello offices and now, 43 days after the end-of-season tests in Abu Dhabi, he was back behind the wheel.

“It is clear that he has followed a different program than Lewis, since the SF-23 holds no secrets for him.

“Vasseur and d’Ambrosio were again keen observers in the garage. Charles completed 14 laps, equivalent to 42 kilometres, bringing today’s total to 44 laps and 131 kilometres.

“At the end of the afternoon, he also went out to meet the fans who had patiently endured the wet and cold conditions in Maranello.

“Earlier, he encouraged them with some celebratory donuts on the track. The 2025 season is underway.”

Hamilton said: “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of firsts in my career, from first test to first race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had, but to drive a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.

“When I started the car and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the first time I tried a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost twenty years later, feeling those emotions again.

“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from every member of the team to the Tifosi. But to see it first-hand now as a Ferrari driver has been impressive.

“That passion runs through his veins and you can’t help but feel energized.

“I am very grateful for the support I have received from everyone in Maranello this week. We have a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to get started.”

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur added: “Like every year, the first time you go out on track is a bit like the first day back at school and quite an emotional feeling, especially today as it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team.

“Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment. Perhaps today was less special for Charles, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and looking forward to racing again.
“On the technical side, Charles and Lewis did their laps in some not-so-great weather, but they got back on track and immersed themselves in the track environment ahead of the first proper test in a month in Bahrain.

“It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. That was the only purpose of today.”

Leclerc said: “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 so many fans come out to see us. Feeling all this excitement surrounding the team is very motivating.

“It was a nice day, although it was raining a little 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.

“I’m now looking forward to getting back in the car next week and really starting to work hard for next season.”