It’s not the primary time Lewis Hamilton has pushed at Fiorano, nor the primary time he’s performed so on the wheel of a Ferrari. However at this time, he did it with what he known as “his” Ferrari.
The 7-time world champion participated within the filming day that Ferrari carried out at their residence monitor, taking the chance to debut the SF-25, the brand new automotive that shall be used for the 2025 System 1 World Championship.
For Hamilton, it wasn’t simply one other day, as he obtained to really expertise the fervour that Ferrari generates within the followers who gathered on the fences to see him and Charles Leclerc take their first kilometers within the new Purple automotive.
On the finish of the day, the previous Mercedes driver spoke to Sky Sport Italia microphones to share his first impressions of the SF-25 and, extra usually, affirm what he has repeatedly said: Ferrari is the precise place on the proper time for him.
Lewis, what are your first impressions from at this time?
“I’m actually excited. I’m completely satisfied and really proud, I’m having a lot enjoyable.”
Are you able to inform us one thing concerning the SF-25?
“As for the automotive, it’s laborious to say something proper now. It’s too early. We didn’t have any issues at this time. Charles drove within the morning, I drove within the afternoon, and that is my first actual Ferrari racing automotive I’ve pushed. It’s nonetheless laborious to imagine. I’m attempting to take pleasure in each second, being current every single day with this legendary workforce, and I’m studying a lot from everybody I can work with on the workforce.”
Till just a few months in the past, you have been driving for Mercedes, and now you’ve had the possibility to drive a Ferrari. Are you able to inform us concerning the variations you’ve seen?
“Nicely, Ferrari may be very totally different. From the second you placed on the go well with and enter the storage, placed on the helmet, and get into the automotive, you’re feeling that unimaginable ardour. It’s all thrilling and thrilling. This workforce has a tremendous historical past, and as a child, it was a dream to race for Ferrari, and I nonetheless pinch myself to imagine it’s actually occurring. I’ve so many expectations.”
How do you see your partnership with Charles Leclerc this yr?
“Incredible. I actually take pleasure in working with Charles. I imagine we’ve already constructed a superb friendship. However even earlier than becoming a member of the workforce, we talked loads on and off the monitor. We talked loads about music and style. We’ve got loads in frequent and get alongside properly. Within the working atmosphere we’re in, it’s implausible. I’m additionally having fun with understanding how he works as a result of he has plenty of expertise with the workforce and is properly built-in. I’m doing my greatest to combine and regulate to this new workforce, which is so thrilling.”
You’ve at all times made the precise transfer on the proper time in your profession. Do you suppose this might be one other one?
“100%. I’ve little question or query in my thoughts. I’m in the precise place on the proper time, and it’s an enormous privilege to be right here, to affix this workforce, and work with everybody to attempt to construct and proceed the nice historic custom of this workforce. What else can I say, every single day has been thrilling. Even final night time, strolling on that stage wearing crimson was one thing completely new for me. Having the ability to meet and expertise the followers is one thing very totally different when doing it as a rival or as a Ferrari driver. Beginning this journey along with them and the workforce is one thing that left me speechless.”