Following two days of conferences and introductions, Lewis Hamilton lastly received to do what he was employed to do at Ferrari.
Climb into the cockpit of a Method 1 automobile and push it to the restrict.
Hamilton climbed into the SF-23, the group’s challenger in the course of the 2023 season, at Ferrari’s take a look at observe on Wednesday and put the machine via its paces. Underneath F1’s Testing of Earlier Automobiles (TPC) rules, Hamilton was capable of get a really feel for Ferrari equipment whereas driving a automobile utilized in a earlier season.
In a post-session report, Hamilton described the day as “probably the greatest emotions of my life.”
“I’ve been fortunate sufficient to have many firsts in my profession, from the primary take a look at to the primary race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t positive what number of extra firsts I had however driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP automobile for the primary time this morning, was probably the greatest emotions of my life,” mentioned Hamilton. “Once I began the automobile up and drove via that storage door, I had the largest smile on my face. It jogged my memory of the very first time I examined a Method 1 automobile, it was such an thrilling and particular second, and right here I’m, nearly twenty years later, feeling these feelings another time.”
Hamilton accomplished 30 laps in his session, overlaying 89 kilometers. Underneath TPC rules automobiles are solely allowed to run for a complete of 1,000 kilometers throughout a single group’s drivers.
“I already knew from the surface how passionate the Ferrari household is, from everybody within the group to the Tifosi! However to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring,” added Hamilton. “That keenness runs via their veins and you’ll’t assist however be energised by it. I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everybody in Maranello this week, we have now numerous work to do however I can’t wait to get began.”
Whereas Hamilton’s session within the morning was extra of an introductory session for the legendary driver to Ferrari equipment, Charles Leclerc’s afternoon session was a a lot completely different program. In accordance with the group Leclerc accomplished 43 laps, “because the SF-23 holds no secrets and techniques for him.”
“The primary day again within the automobile is all the time an amazing feeling after the vacations. It’s good to be again on observe, to see that so many followers got here out to observe us. Feeling all this pleasure surrounding the group may be very motivating. It was a superb day, despite the fact that it was raining a bit bit after I was driving,” mentioned Leclerc.
“After all it was good to have the ability to see Lewis driving his first laps in a Ferrari, which was a particular second for the group and for him,” added Leclerc. “Now I’m wanting ahead to being again within the automobile subsequent week and to actually begin working onerous for the approaching season.”
Each classes got here beneath the watchful eyes of Ferrari’s management, together with Workforce Principal Frederic Vasseur and Ferrari Vice President Piero Ferrari.
“As is the case yearly, the primary time you exit on observe is a bit like the primary day again at college and fairly an emotional feeling, particularly in the present day because it was Lewis’ first day as a part of the group,” mentioned Vasseur. “Welcoming a brand new driver is all the time an vital second. Perhaps in the present day was much less particular for Charles, but it surely was good to see him match, relaxed and eager to go racing once more.
“As for the technical aspect, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the most effective climate, however they received again within the swing of issues and immersed themselves within the observe surroundings previous to the primary correct take a look at in a month’s time in Bahrain,” added the Ferrari Workforce Principal. “It was additionally a warm-up for the group within the storage. That was the only real objective of in the present day.”
