Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut at the Fiorano test track was a momentous occasion, but it wasn’t without it’s challenges. The seven-time world champion, who recently joined Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, took to the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari car for the frist time on Wednesday. While the event was marked by excitement and fanfare, it also revealed a significant hurdle: pedal discomfort that nearly led to embarrassment for the F1 icon.
Hamilton completed 30 laps (approximately 89 km) at Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit,where he was greeted by hundreds of eager fans and accompanied by his family. However, his debut was marred by issues with the car’s pedals. According to reports from Motorsport.com’s Italian edition, Hamilton struggled to find a comfortable setup despite multiple adjustments. This discomfort reportedly caused him to lock up his brakes at the first corner and the hairpin, nearly sending him into the gravel run-off area on two occasions.
Ferrari has since taken immediate action to address the issue, with plans to resolve it before the next closed-door test at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, home of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix.The team has not released details of Hamilton’s lap times, as the Fiorano test is considered a private session. However, it’s clear that the pedal problem was a notable setback in an otherwise smooth transition for Hamilton, who adapted seamlessly to the Ferrari steering wheel and requested onyl minor modifications to the controls.
The initial relationship between Hamilton and his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, has been described as “good.” Adami, who previously worked with Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel, brings a wealth of experience to the partnership.Cockpit comfort, though, remains a critical focus for Hamilton, who has openly criticized the ergonomics of his previous Mercedes cars. In 2023, he described the feeling of sitting too close to the front wheel as “one of the worst feelings” while driving, stating, “When you’re driving, you feel like you’re sitting on the front wheel. It’s one of the worst feelings you can have when driving a car.”
Ferrari’s decision to move the cockpit further back for the 2025 season may alleviate some of these concerns.The development, led by Loic Serra—a former Mercedes colleague of Hamilton—reflects the team’s commitment to optimizing driver comfort. Serra, who joined Ferrari as chassis technical director last year, shares a close relationship with Hamilton, having worked together during Mercedes’ controversial zero-pod design era.
Despite the pedal issue, Hamilton’s first outing with Ferrari was a significant milestone. his ability to adapt to the new car and build rapport with his team bodes well for the upcoming season. As Ferrari prepares for the next test in Barcelona, all eyes will be on how Hamilton and the team address these early challenges.
Key Highlights of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Test
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Test Location | Fiorano Circuit,Ferrari’s private test track |
| Laps Completed | 30 laps (approximately 89 km) |
| Car Used | 2023 Ferrari F1 car |
| Main Issue | Pedal discomfort leading to braking errors |
| Next Test | Barcelona-Catalunya circuit (F1 Spanish Grand Prix venue) |
| Race Engineer | Riccardo Adami,previously worked with Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel |
| Cockpit Adjustment | Ferrari moved cockpit further back for 2025 season |
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is just begining,and while the pedal issue was a hiccup,it underscores the importance of fine-tuning every detail in Formula 1. As the team works to resolve these challenges, fans eagerly await the next chapter in Hamilton’s storied career.Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Scuderia Ferrari during testing on Wednesday was nothing short of a milestone moment for the seven-time Formula 1 champion. In a heartfelt statement, Hamilton described the experience as one of the most exhilarating of his career, comparing it to the first time he tested an F1 car nearly two decades ago.
“Fortunately, I have experienced many firsts in my career, from my first test to my first race, my first podium, my first win, and my first championship,” Hamilton shared. “I didn’t know if I would be able to experience it, but driving the Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life.”
The British driver’s excitement was palpable as he recounted the moment he started the engine and drove onto the track. “The moment I started the engine and walked through the garage door,I had the biggest smile on my face,” he said.“It reminded me of the first time I tested an F1 car. it was a very exciting and special moment. Now, almost 20 years later, I’m feeling the same feelings again.”
Hamilton also expressed his admiration for the Ferrari team and its passionate fanbase, known as the tifosi. “I knew how passionate the Ferrari family was from watching from the outside, from everyone in the team to the tifosi, but to witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver was awe-inspiring,” he said.“That passion has become their blood and flesh, and when you come into contact with that passion, you naturally become energized.”
The warmth and support he received in Maranello left a lasting impression. “I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everyone in Maranello this week,” Hamilton added. “There’s a lot of work to do, but I want to get started soon.”
This testing debut marks a significant chapter in Hamilton’s storied career, as he transitions to one of the most iconic teams in motorsport history.
| Key Highlights of Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut |
|———————————————–|
| Event | Testing debut with Scuderia Ferrari |
| Date | Wednesday |
| Car | Scuderia ferrari HP |
| Hamilton’s Reaction | “One of the best feelings of my life” |
| Comparison | Reminiscent of his first F1 test 20 years ago |
| Team Passion | described as “awe-inspiring” |
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is just beginning, but his enthusiasm and gratitude set the tone for what promises to be an exciting partnership. As he gears up for the challenges ahead, the F1 world eagerly anticipates what this new chapter will bring for the legendary driver and the iconic team.