Lewis Hamilton on SF-23: lots of emotion, but also perfectionist work
Today at 10:35 AM
Emotions aside, Lewis Hamilton immediately discovered what it means to #essereferrari, but during the 30 laps on a chilly Fiorano, not only did profound human feelings emerge, but also the essence of a champion.
Lewis emphasized that "… driving a Scuderia Ferrari car for the first time has been one of the most beautiful feelings of my life. When I started the car and drove out of the garage, I had a big smile on my face."
"It reminded me of the first time I tested an F1 car; it was such an emotional and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions again." Before making these statements, the seven-time world champion carried out a debrief with the technicians to analyze the work done.
The car used was the SF-23, which is certainly not highly representative of Ferrari’s current potential (in 2023, it won only one GP with Carlos Sainz in Singapore), but it's the most recent car allowed for TPC (Testing Previous Cars), as FIA regulations require cars at least two years old.
Hamilton, ever the perfectionist, after verifying the functionalities of the steering wheel-computer in the simulator (it was thought he might want to keep the controls he had memorized at Mercedes, but he quickly adapted to Ferrari's wheel with few changes), sought the best adaptation to the cockpit, his workplace.
No issues with the seat, just some difficulty with the pedals: he tried several adjustments without finding the most comfortable solution, so it will need to be adapted in time for the Barcelona test, his second outing after Fiorano, where the team is expected to find much better weather conditions than yesterday.
Even the first interaction with Riccardo Adami seemed positive, but that is a relationship that will need to develop over time. The SF-23 was configured for a light run with very soft setup and engine map choices. It's not surprising, therefore, that there were lock-ups at the first corner and the hairpin when Lewis Hamilton tried to push a little harder, just to draw some conclusions from the work done. A couple of times, he reached the edge of the asphalt strip before the gravel but always managed to maintain control of the car, even with virtually no grip.
Lewis Hamilton reportedly found the Ferrari very drivable and easy to handle, less aggressive than the black-and-silver arrow of recent years. Lewis Hamilton completed 30 laps, while Charles Leclerc managed just 14 in the afternoon. It was fitting to join the "ride" in front of 2,000 fans who filled every space overlooking the Ferrari track, as FIA rules limit the distance each driver can cover to 1,000 kilometers over a maximum of four days.
At 9:16 AM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, a new chapter began in Ferrari's history and the career of the English champion: with the show over, the real work to build a season with world championship expectations now begins.
Hamilton, with his charisma, has already won over the heart of the Ferrari Racing Division team with his humanity. Now, the engineers expect significant contributions in helping the team grow, thanks to his renowned ability in fine-tuning adjustments. Every detail in an open battle with McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes could make the difference. Good luck.
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