Lewis Hamilton described his first experience driving a Ferrari Formula 1 as “one of the best feelings of my life”.
Hamilton got behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari F1 on Wednesday at the Scuderia's Fiorano test track in front of around 1,500 fans and took the opening laps Sky Sports News' cameras – and reporter Craig Slater.
The 40-year-old's shock move to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari was announced 12 months ago and his first time in one of their iconic red cars has been eagerly awaited ever since.
“I've been lucky enough to have a lot of firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, the podium, the win and the championship,” Hamilton said.
“I wasn't sure how many first days I had left, but driving the 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 walked through that 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 such an exciting and special moment, and here I am almost 20 years later, I feel those emotions all over again.”
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The fans erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives on track for his first test with Ferrari
What happened at Hamilton's first test?
Hamilton covered 30 laps (55 miles), just over a quarter of the normal distance for a Grand Prix.
After the installation lap, accompanied by his family and senior figures at Ferrari, including team principal Frederic Vasseur and vice-president Piero Ferrari, Hamilton returned to the garage before doing a few flying laps and practice getting used to the systems.
Hamilton drove with a Ferrari engine behind him for the first time in F1, using exclusively Mercedes power since his debut in 2007 at McLaren, before joining the German manufacturer's own team in 2013.
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Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater was on the ground in Italy to get the latest reaction from the Tifosi as Lewis Hamilton took his first laps in the Ferrari
After the morning test, Hamilton went out to meet some of the Tifosi to thank them for coming to see the historic moment.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi!” he said.
“But to witness it first hand as a Ferrari driver was amazing. That passion runs through their veins and you can't help but be full of energy.
“I'm so grateful for the love I've felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can't wait to get started.”
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