Lewis Hamilton takes the wheel for Ferrari in track debut at Maranello

22 January 2025 - 15:47 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Lewis Hamilton, who announced his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in February last year, left the Fiorano garage in the SF-23, the Italian team's 2023 F1 model, where crowds of fans had gathered to watch his first test run.
Lewis Hamilton, who announced his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in February last year, left the Fiorano garage in the SF-23, the Italian team's 2023 F1 model, where crowds of fans had gathered to watch his first test run.
Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton had his first outing on the track for Ferrari on a misty Wednesday morning at Maranello, realising his dream of driving in the iconic red of the Italian team.

Hamilton, who announced his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in February last year, left the Fiorano garage in the SF-23, the Italian team's 2023 F1 model, where crowds of fans had gathered to watch his first test run.

The 40-year-old, who won six of his world championships at Mercedes, also unveiled a new bright yellow helmet, as he continues his first official week at Ferrari which began at the team's headquarters on Monday.

Hamilton will have to wait for official testing in Bahrain on February 26-28 to get to grips with next season's car, as Testing of Previous Cars (TCP) rules only allow a limited use of cars that are at least two years old.
Hamilton will have to wait for official testing in Bahrain on February 26-28 to get to grips with next season's car, as Testing of Previous Cars (TCP) rules only allow a limited use of cars that are at least two years old.
Image: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

Hamilton will have to wait for official testing in Bahrain on February 26-28 to get to grips with next season's car, as testing of previous cars (TCP) rules allow a limited use of cars that are at least two years old.

The Briton will partner Charles Leclerc when the 2025 season begins with the Australian GP from March 14-16, and will look to bring the glory days back to F1's oldest and most successful team who are without a driver's title since 2007.

Ferrari's last constructors' championship win was in 2008, but they pushed McLaren all the way last season, finishing up a close second. Hamilton's last championship success came in 2020 but he won two races in 2024 after two seasons without victory. 


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.