It’s not the primary time Lewis Hamilton has pushed at Fiorano, nor the primary time he’s accomplished so on the wheel of a Ferrari. However right now, he did it with what he referred to as “his” Ferrari.
The 7-time world champion participated within the filming day that Ferrari carried out at their dwelling observe, taking the chance to debut the SF-25, the brand new automobile that can be used for the 2025 Method 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 Crimson automobile.
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 typically, affirm what he has repeatedly acknowledged: Ferrari is the proper place on the proper time for him.
Lewis, what are your first impressions from right now?
“I’m actually excited. I’m completely happy and really proud, I’m having a lot enjoyable.”
Are you able to inform us one thing concerning the SF-25?
“As for the automobile, it’s laborious to say something proper now. It’s too early. We didn’t have any issues right now. Charles drove within the morning, I drove within the afternoon, and that is my first actual Ferrari racing automobile I’ve pushed. It’s nonetheless laborious to consider. I’m attempting to get pleasure from each second, being current day-after-day with this legendary staff, and I’m studying a lot from everybody I can work with on the staff.”
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 observed?
“Properly, Ferrari may be very completely different. From the second you placed on the swimsuit and enter the storage, placed on the helmet, and get into the automobile, you’re feeling that unimaginable ardour. It’s all thrilling and thrilling. This staff has an incredible historical past, and as a child, it was a dream to race for Ferrari, and I nonetheless pinch myself to consider it’s actually occurring. I’ve so many expectations.”
How do you see your partnership with Charles Leclerc this yr?
“Improbable. I actually get pleasure from working with Charles. I consider we’ve already constructed a great friendship. However even earlier than becoming a member of the staff, we talked quite a bit on and off the observe. We talked quite a bit about music and trend. Now we have quite a bit in widespread and get alongside properly. Within the working surroundings we’re in, it’s incredible. I’m additionally having fun with understanding how he works as a result of he has lots of expertise with the staff and is properly built-in. I’m doing my finest to combine and alter to this new staff, which is so thrilling.”
You’ve all the time made the proper transfer on the proper time in your profession. Do you suppose this may very well be one other one?
“100%. I’ve little doubt or query in my thoughts. I’m in the proper place on the proper time, and it’s an enormous privilege to be right here, to hitch this staff, and work with everybody to attempt to construct and proceed the nice historic custom of this staff. What else can I say, day-after-day has been thrilling. Even final night time, strolling on that stage wearing pink was one thing completely new for me. Having the ability to meet and expertise the followers is one thing very completely different when doing it as a rival or as a Ferrari driver. Beginning this journey along with them and the staff is one thing that left me speechless.”