Feelings apart, Lewis Hamilton instantly found what it means to #essereferrari, however throughout the 30 laps on a cold Fiorano, not solely did profound human emotions emerge, but additionally the essence of a champion.
Lewis emphasised that “… driving a Scuderia Ferrari automobile for the primary time has been probably the most lovely emotions of my life. Once I began the automobile and drove out of the storage, I had a giant smile on my face.”
“It jogged my memory of the primary time I examined an F1 automobile; it was such an emotional and particular second, and right here I’m, nearly 20 years later, feeling these feelings once more.” Earlier than making these statements, the seven-time world champion carried out a debrief with the technicians to research the work completed.
The automobile used was the SF-23, which is actually not extremely consultant of Ferrari’s present potential (in 2023, it received just one GP with Carlos Sainz in Singapore), however it’s the newest automobile allowed for TPC (Testing Earlier Automobiles), as FIA rules require vehicles not less than two years previous.
Hamilton, ever the perfectionist, after verifying the functionalities of the steering wheel-computer within the simulator (it was thought he would possibly need to hold the controls he had memorized at Mercedes, however he rapidly tailored to Ferrari’s wheel with few modifications), sought the most effective adaptation to the cockpit, his office.
No points with the seat, just a few problem with the pedals: he tried a number of changes with out discovering essentially the most comfy resolution, so it’s going to have to be tailored in time for the Barcelona take a look at, his second outing after Fiorano, the place the staff is predicted to seek out a lot better climate situations than yesterday.
Even the primary interplay with Riccardo Adami appeared constructive, however that may be a relationship that might want to develop over time. The SF-23 was configured for a light-weight run with very smooth setup and engine map decisions. It’s not shocking, subsequently, that there have been lock-ups on the first nook and the hairpin when Lewis Hamilton tried to push slightly tougher, simply to attract some conclusions from the work completed. A few instances, he reached the sting of the asphalt strip earlier than the gravel however all the time managed to take care of management of the automobile, even with nearly no grip.
Lewis Hamilton reportedly discovered the Ferrari very drivable and simple to deal with, much less aggressive than the black-and-silver arrow of latest years. Lewis Hamilton accomplished 30 laps, whereas Charles Leclerc managed simply 14 within the afternoon. It was becoming to affix the “journey” in entrance of two,000 followers who stuffed each house overlooking the Ferrari monitor, as FIA guidelines restrict the space every driver can cowl to 1,000 kilometers over a most of 4 days.
At 9:16 AM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, a brand new chapter started in Ferrari’s historical past and the profession of the English champion: with the present over, the actual work to construct a season with world championship expectations now begins.
Hamilton, together with his charisma, has already received over the guts of the Ferrari Racing Division staff together with his humanity. Now, the engineers count on important contributions in serving to the staff develop, due to his famend potential in fine-tuning changes. Each element in an open battle with McLaren, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes may make the distinction. Good luck.