Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari SF-25 debut in private....

Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari SF-25 debut in private…read more

Lewis Hamilton has officially completed his first laps in Ferrari’s SF-25, marking a significant milestone in his highly anticipated move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The private test took place at the Fiorano Circuit, Ferrari’s dedicated testing facility, and was conducted as part of a filming day permitted under F1 regulations. This debut came just a day after Ferrari unveiled the SF-25 at the F1 75 event in London, swiftly transitioning to the track for an initial shakedown before the official pre-season testing in Bahrain.

The event carried great significance for both Hamilton and Ferrari, as the British driver, a seven-time World Champion, stepped into his new role after an illustrious career with Mercedes. His first experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car was highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike, as expectations are high for what he can achieve with the Italian team.

Before Hamilton took to the track, his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, was the first to drive the SF-25 earlier in the day. Leclerc began his session in the morning, completing approximately 30 laps around Fiorano. Throughout his run, Ferrari supporters gathered at the circuit, eager to witness the debut of the team’s 2025 challenger. Leclerc, a fan favorite, took time to acknowledge the cheers of the Tifosi before concluding his stint and handing over the car to Hamilton.

Hamilton’s turn in the SF-25 began at around 12:47 PM local time. The moment he emerged from the garage was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, with fans eager to see how he would adapt to his new machinery. As he drove onto the track, Hamilton acknowledged the supporters with a raised arm, showing his appreciation for the warm welcome.

The test session was part of an F1-sanctioned filming day, meaning both Hamilton and Leclerc were limited to a maximum of 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of track time. These sessions are typically used for promotional purposes, but they also serve as an early opportunity for teams to ensure their cars are running smoothly before the start of official testing. For Ferrari, this was an important moment to assess the SF-25’s initial performance and allow both drivers to familiarize themselves with its characteristics.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has been one of the biggest stories in the F1 world, and his first laps in red were a symbolic moment. Having spent over a decade with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven World Championships, his move to Ferrari signals the beginning of a new chapter—one that could shape the future of both the driver and the team. Ferrari, which last won an F1 title in 2008, is eager to return to championship-winning form, and the addition of Hamilton is expected to bolster their chances in the seasons ahead.

While the Fiorano