Hamilton's first day of running with Ferrari in pictures
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The air was thick with anticipation and the damp Fiorano circuit glistened under a moody Italian sky as Lewis Hamilton stepped into a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time on Wednesday morning.
It was a moment of profound significance, one that united the Tifosi in awe and marked the beginning of a new chapter in Hamilton's illustrious career.
At exactly 9:16 a.m., the seven-time world took t the track behind the wheel of an SF-23, the most recent Ferrari permitted for testing under F1's 'Testin of Previous Cars' rules.
The growl of the hybrid engine was soon matched by the roar of the crowd, with hundreds of devoted Scuderia fans packing every possible vantage point around the circuit, braving the cold and misty weather to witness the historic occasion.
A Wave to the Tifosi
Hamilton's first installation lap on Pirelli demonstration wet tyres was cautious, the damp track demanding respect.
But even in these tentative early moments, Hamilton made sure to connect with the fans who had come to celebrate this union of a British legend and an Italian institution.
With one hand on the wheel, he raised the other in a warm wave, a simple yet heartfelt acknowledgment of the Tifosi's devotion.
Hamilton returned to the pits for routine checks before heading back out for a series of short runs. His first proper stint consisted of 10 laps on wet tyres, during which he performed a couple of practice starts.
These starts weren't just technical exercises – they were symbolic, a metaphorical ignition of his Ferrari journey.
As the morning wore on and the Fiorano track began to dry, Hamilton switched to slick tyres, taking his first steps in understanding the nuances of Ferrari's ground-effect car.
A Champion Greets His Fans
After completing approximately 30 laps and roughly 100 kilometers of running, Hamilton exited his SF-23 and hitched a ride to the far end of the circuit greeting the fans who had gathered on the overpass since the early hours.
The gesture was met with thunderous applause and chants, solidifying the bond between the new driver and his passionate supporters.
Adding to the emotional atmosphere, Sky F1 pundit Craig Slater revealed that Hamilton's family – his father Anthony, stepmother Linda, and mother Carmen – were present to witness this historic occasion.
"It's a family affair for Lewis Hamilton today," Slater reported. "So a lot of emotion on the track for him today."
Although Hamilton completed around 100 kilometers of running, it was enough to provide him with a valuable first impression of the Ferrari's characteristics.
The team has yet to announce Hamilton's next test, but speculation suggests he could have another outing at Fiorano before a scheduled test in Barcelona later this month.
The day at Fiorano was more than just a test; it was a symbolic moment, a powerful statement of intent. Lewis Hamilton's journey with Ferrari has officially begun, and the world is watching with bated breath.
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