Lewis Hamilton took Ferrari’s 2025 Method 1 automobile for its first spin on Wednesday, marking the start of what guarantees to be a historic chapter in each his profession and the game’s historical past. The SF-25, which is already being hailed as a milestone machine, will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to return, no matter whether or not it meets the lofty expectations surrounding Hamilton’s high-profile switch to the Maranello group.
Earlier than Hamilton’s inaugural drive, Charles Leclerc was first to take the wheel on the Fiorano check observe, positioned close to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello. The scene was harking back to Hamilton’s first outing in January, when he examined the 2023 automobile, as hundreds of followers turned out to witness the historic second.
This week has been particularly emotional for Hamilton, who obtained an awesome reception through the F1 75 season launch occasion on the O2 Enviornment on Tuesday. Staff principal Fred Vasseur revealed that the seven-time world champion was visibly moved by the event, the place he was greeted with the loudest cheer of the evening as he walked onto the stage alongside Leclerc and Vasseur.
Whereas there have been some experiences of Leclerc stopping on observe within the new automobile, Ferrari has insisted that every thing ran easily. The true check for the SF-25 will are available in lower than per week on the Bahrain pre-season testing, the place each drivers can be higher positioned to evaluate the automobile’s efficiency, with lap occasions being publicly revealed. The shakedown session, nevertheless, was primarily centered on resolving technical points reasonably than testing total velocity.
Within the meantime, Hamilton has already began to make an enduring impression at Ferrari. Having reunited together with his long-time coach Angela Cullen, Hamilton can be working intently with Loic Serra, the previous Mercedes engineer now accountable for his chassis. Moreover, Jerome D’Ambrosio, the previous Mercedes academy head who now serves as Ferrari’s deputy to Vasseur, spoke with admiration about Hamilton’s efforts to attach together with his new colleagues. On his very first day, Hamilton made it some extent to personally meet and shake palms with practically each member of Ferrari’s 1,500-strong workforce—an “wonderful” gesture that rapidly received him the love of the group.
Hamilton’s immersion into the Ferrari tradition has prolonged past the manufacturing facility flooring. He has been dwelling in a motorhome on the Maranello facility and has been inviting his engineers to affix him for lunch as he fosters bonds together with his new group. His efforts to combine himself each on and off the observe are already making a major influence, because the Ferrari group eagerly anticipates the 2025 season with their new star driver.
Jerome D’Ambrosio talked about that Hamilton was fairly exceptional with folks and that the group had already developed a robust affection for him after simply the primary day.
The British driver admitted that he nonetheless finds it surreal to be a Ferrari driver, a dream he has held all through his whole profession. Nonetheless, he is aware of that in some unspecified time in the future, the preliminary pleasure should fade. As he pursues a record-breaking eighth world championship, he understands the necessity to stay centered and never let feelings cloud his efficiency.
The reception Hamilton obtained at Maranello left him ‘blown away,’ and he expressed his appreciation for the fervour that radiates throughout the Ferrari manufacturing facility. This enthusiasm is one thing he deeply enjoys and cherishes.
Jerome D’Ambrosio’s feedback align with these made by former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, who famous that Hamilton has made an enduring impression on everybody together with his angle. This optimistic response is bound to be a supply of delight for Ferrari’s chairman, John Elkann, significantly given the numerous funding the group has made in bringing the seven-time world champion on board.
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