Lewis Hamilton said his first experience of driving a Ferrari last month was a unique feeling compared to other Formula 1 cars he has driven.
The seven-times world champion, who is driving Ferrari’s new F1 car today at Fiorano, had his first run in one of the team’s older chassis in January. Hamilton announced his decision to join them from Mercedes almost 12 months earlier.He said he has “always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red” before joining Ferrari. “I’ve been waiting for such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like a new, uncharted journey,” he said in a video released by the team. “It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.”
A large group of Ferrari fans gathered to witness Hamilton’s first appearance in one of the team’s cars.
“I knew that I would see the tifosi on the bridge,” Hamilton recalled, “and I was like, where’s the bridge? What bridge are they talking about? And finally I get to turn one and see them down there, that was amazing to see and to be received [by them].”
Until this year, Hamilton had never driven a Formula 1 car powered by anything other than a Mercedes engine. He said his first experience of Ferrari power was a special moment.
“It’s nothing like the car that I had before or for the last 10, 12, 17 years,” said Hamilton. “It is unique in its own [way].
“To feel the vibration of the Ferrari engine for the first time: Wow. That’s what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.
“I’d always seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me. And it’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and to wear this suit.”
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Sergey Martyn
19th February 2025, 15:05
“nothing like the car I had before”?
GP2?
grat
21st February 2025, 15:16
Why do you assume “nothing like” means “much worse”?
Bullfrog (@bullfrog)
19th February 2025, 15:06
The engine’s not as smooth as a Mercedes then!
pcxmac (@pcxmac)
19th February 2025, 17:17
the diff oil is the correct thickness, he now actually can get on the gas out of the corners, and has a more opportunistic braking path in to the corner.
El Pollo Loco
19th February 2025, 20:19
pcxmac: living an individually customized reality (runs by linux).
someone or something
20th February 2025, 3:48
TempleOS, more like.
grat
21st February 2025, 15:23
Hamilton didn’t say that, either.
MichaelN
19th February 2025, 16:52
Sure, it’s a bit of fluff, but I’m liking the excitement. No doubt the cars are all very similar, but drivers are humans too. Emotions matter. And it’s great to see Hamilton be positive about the whole switch.
PacificPR (@streydt)
19th February 2025, 17:25
Yeah it’s nice to see and either way (bad or good for Hamilton) it will be one of the great stories of this and F1’s history. I am very curious to see how things will work out!
Michael Nelson Johnston
20th February 2025, 1:19
Personally I don’t see this as fluff at all, athletes of his caliber are far more aware of every little tiny detail and changes. Engines are all different slightly, just because they all get to the max HP allowed doesn’t mean they get there the same way.
Either way I’m super excited to see what this move will accomplish for Lewis and Ferrari. Very nice to see him so positive and driven again. This will be a real test of his character to try and show the world he’s still the man to beat if that’s a fast car.
BasCB (@bascb)
20th February 2025, 6:21
I agree. Surely it can only be a good thing to have Hamilton feel refreshed and motivated to try and have a go at it with Ferrari.
CarWars (@maxv)
20th February 2025, 7:37
It really looks like he is enjoying it, good for him!
I am pretty sure we all will like Hamilton more without the Mercedes narrow rule set surrounding him. I think it might become a bit like Vettel and Alonso, a lot of people changed their stance from haters to starting to cheering for them at Ferrari. Hope Ferrari will have their act together and we can see some great championship battles. The last part is the tricky part ;-)
BLS (@brightlampshade)
20th February 2025, 11:48
I really hope the Ferrari is a good car. Given everyone is likely very geared towards 2026 now then we could have very equal cars all season if they all start in a similar place.
Fingers crossed for a 4 way team fight of 6 or more drivers!