"One of the best feelings of my life": Lewis Hamilton on his first lap at the wheel of a Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton shared his emotions after taking the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time, the seven-time world champion describing the experience as « one of the best feelings of my life ».


After spending [his first day at the team's headquarters in Maranello](https://f1/actualite/35672-retour-premiere-journee-lewis-hamilton-ferrari.html) on Monday, Lewis Hamilton took to the Fiorano track on Wednesday for his highly anticipated debut in red as part of his immersion program. The Brit started with an installation lap on wet tires, on a foggy morning at the circuit, under the watchful eyes of some Tifosi. Members of Lewis Hamilton's family were also present to witness this significant moment, while the team boss, Fred Vasseur, and his deputy, Jérôme d'Ambrosio, also observed.
Read also: The first images of Lewis Hamilton's debut with Ferrari at Fiorano
30 laps to acclimatize
Over the course of testing, Lewis Hamilton fitted slick tires and completed fast laps as well as start drills, accumulating a total of 30 laps for the session. After a debriefing with the engineers, the 40-year-old driver greeted the fans who came to see him in action during what was clearly a special day for him.
« I have been fortunate to experience many 'firsts' in my career, from the first test to the first race, the first podium, the first victory, and the championship, so I didn't know how many 'firsts' I had left, but driving a Ferrari car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life », said Lewis Hamilton afterwards.
« When I started the car and drove through the garage door, I had a huge 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 again. »
« I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from all the team members to the Tifosi! But witnessing it as a Ferrari driver is truly inspiring. This passion runs in their veins, and one can't help but be energized by it. »
« I am so grateful for the love I felt from everyone in Maranello this week. We have a lot of work to do, but I can't wait to get started. »
Charles Leclerc also on track
Lewis Hamilton was not the only one on track at Fiorano, as Charles Leclerc also took to the track in the afternoon as part of a different program. The Monegasque driver completed 14 laps and a few donuts for the fans present.
"The first day back in the car is always a great feeling after the holidays," said Charles Leclerc. "It's good to be back on track and to see so many fans coming to watch us. Feeling all this enthusiasm around the team is very motivating. It was a good day, even if it rained a little while I was driving."
« Of course, it was nice to see Lewis doing his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a special moment for the team and for him. Now, I can't wait to get back in the car next week and really start working hard for the upcoming season. »
The team boss, Fred Vasseur, also shared his impressions after Lewis Hamilton's first laps behind the wheel of a Ferrari, as the Scuderia's pair of drivers promises to be one of the highlights of 2025. « As every year, the first lap on track is a bit like a first day of school and it's quite moving, especially today, because it was Lewis's first day as a team member », said Fred Vasseur.
« Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment. Maybe it was less special for Charles today, but it was good to see him in shape, relaxed, and ready to get back on track. »
« On the technical side, Charles and Lewis did their laps in less than ideal weather conditions, but they got back into the rhythm and found their footing before the first real test in a month in Bahrain. It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. That was the only goal of the day. »
Lewis Hamilton will continue to spend the coming days and weeks integrating into his new team, while the whole group prepares for the 2025 season.