Breaking: Hamilton survives first major test CRASH- ‘I was conscious… read more
- Hamilton Reflects on 18-Year-Old Crash Ahead of Ferrari Debut
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has set the motorsport world abuzz this week with images and footage of his debut as a Ferrari driver. The Briton visited Ferrari’s iconic headquarters in Maranello and completed 30 laps at the Fiorano test track, marking a highly anticipated moment nearly a year in the making.
As Hamilton begins this new chapter with Scuderia Ferrari, the week also marks the anniversary of a significant event in his early career. On January 25, 2007, Hamilton endured a major crash while testing for McLaren at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, just two months before his rookie F1 season began.
At the time, the then-22-year-old was preparing for his debut campaign alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa. Hamilton had limited experience in an F1 car, with only a handful of days behind the wheel of McLaren’s MP4-22.
During the private test session, Hamilton lost control of the car while accelerating down the pit straight at an eye-watering 185 mph (approximately 300 km/h). The car spun out of control, slid through a gravel trap, and collided with a tire barrier at high speed.
Fortunately, Hamilton emerged unscathed from the incident. Speaking afterward, he reassured fans and the team, saying, “Unfortunately, these things happen in motorsport. I am completely fine and was conscious throughout.”
However, the car did not fare as well. McLaren was forced to continue testing with only one car and faced delays at subsequent sessions as the damaged vehicle underwent repairs.
Eighteen years later, Hamilton’s career trajectory speaks volumes about his resilience and determination. From that early crash in Valencia to becoming one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, Hamilton’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Now, with his Ferrari debut underway, fans eagerly anticipate how Hamilton will perform in red, as the partnership between the legendary driver and the iconic Italian team begins to unfold.
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