First Ferrari experience felt "nothing like the car I had before"

Lewis Hamilton said his first experience of driving a Ferrari last month was a unique feeling compared to other Formula 1 cars he has driven.

The seven-times world champion, who is driving Ferrari’s new F1 car today at Fiorano, had his first run in one of the team’s older chassis in January. Hamilton announced his decision to join them from Mercedes almost 12 months earlier.

He said he has “always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red” before joining Ferrari. “I’ve been waiting for such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like a new, uncharted journey,” he said in a video released by the team. “It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.”

A large group of Ferrari fans gathered to witness Hamilton’s first appearance in one of the team’s cars.

“I knew that I would see the tifosi on the bridge,” Hamilton recalled, “and I was like, where’s the bridge? What bridge are they talking about? And finally I get to turn one and see them down there, that was amazing to see and to be received [by them].”

Until this year, Hamilton had never driven a Formula 1 car powered by anything other than a Mercedes engine. He said his first experience of Ferrari power was a special moment.

“It’s nothing like the car that I had before or for the last 10, 12, 17 years,” said Hamilton. “It is unique in its own [way].

“To feel the vibration of the Ferrari engine for the first time: Wow. That’s what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.

“I’d always seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me. And it’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and to wear this suit.”

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