Key Highlights:

• Lewis Hamilton completed his first test drive for Ferrari on January 22, 2025, at the Fiorano track.
• The seven-time world champion drove a 2023-specification Ferrari SF-23, celebrating a childhood dream.
• Hamilton's move to Ferrari marks the end of his 12-year tenure with Mercedes.
• Official preseason testing for the new season is scheduled for February 26–28 in Bahrain.
• Ferrari aims to reclaim the championship title, with Hamilton partnered alongside Charles Leclerc.

In a historic moment for Formula One, Lewis Hamilton made his debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari during a test drive at the team’s private Fiorano circuit on January 22. The acclaimed British driver, known for his seven world championships, thrilled approximately 1,000 fans who gathered despite the drizzly weather to witness this significant milestone in a career that has spanned over a decade. Hamilton drove the 2023-specification Ferrari SF-23, showcasing a striking helmet design featuring the iconic Prancing Horse emblem in bright yellow.

Reflecting on the moment, Hamilton shared, “I’ve been lucky enough to achieve things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realize that dream today,” a sentiment echoing the excitement surrounding his transition to Ferrari after twelve successful seasons with Mercedes, where he claimed six of his seven titles. His inaugural day at Ferrari started just days prior, as he officially joined the team in Maranello.

As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter, he is set to test the current Ferrari model further at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya before the official preseason testing begins. The expectations are high for Hamilton and his new team, who seek to break a long championship drought, with the first race of the season scheduled for the Australian Grand Prix from March 14-16. With high hopes and significant fanfare, Hamilton's journey with Ferrari is a much-anticipated storyline in the upcoming Formula One season. For more details, visit AP News, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.