Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Charles Leclerc, Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton's reported first lap times as a Ferrari driver have been compared to Michael Schumacher and Charles Leclerc.
This week, the 40-year-old began another new chapter in his already legendary Formula 1 career.
On Wednesday, Hamilton went behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car for the first time as he completed a test session around the team's track in Fiorano.
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As reported by Auto Racer, Hamilton did a total of 30 laps, which equated to 90km, which is almost 10 per cent of his maximum allowance of 1,000km.
Afterwards, Hamilton's teammate Leclerc went out on the track and completed 14 laps.
It was then reported that the Brit managed a time of around one minute per lap, which was slower than Leclerc's 57.6 that he set two years ago and was a way off Schumacher's record time of 55.999, set in Ferrari's title-winning F2004 car.
However, despite the slower lap times, the team would not be too concerned as the first laps are designed for Hamilton to get familiar with driving a new car.
Speaking after his first test session, Hamilton said: "When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost twenty years later, feeling those emotions all over again.
"I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi! But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring."
He added: "That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it.
"I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started."
The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.
