Fiorano test, Charles Leclerc begins in the rain
On the historic day of January 22, Charles Leclerc played a supporting role, leaving the spotlight to Lewis Hamilton. And it couldn’t have been otherwise, given the excitement surrounding the arrival of the seven-time world champion, not only among fans but also within Ferrari itself.
After Lewis Hamilton completed 30 laps, followed by a debrief and a quick lunch, the Monegasque driver took to the track at 1:32 PM for his first outing of 2025, again driving the SF-23. Welcoming him, alongside fans gathered at the corners, was rain, which had been threatening for hours before finally arriving at Fiorano.
Unlike Lewis Hamilton, who used this first day to familiarize himself with the Ferrari’s workings, Charles Leclerc only needed to regain his driving sensations. Without requiring extensive mileage, car #16 completed 14 laps – totaling 42 km – before delighting fans with a few donuts. At the end of the day, he greeted and embraced the spectators, much like Lewis Hamilton had.
Charles Leclerc’s comments
“The day you return to the cockpit after the holidays is always very exciting,” Charles Leclerc said. “It was great to get back on track and see how many fans came to watch us. Feeling and seeing all this enthusiasm around the team motivates us more than ever. Overall, the day was positive, even though it rained a bit while I was driving. It was also nice to see Lewis complete his first laps in a Ferrari; it was something very special for him and the entire team. I can’t wait to get back in the car next week (in Montmeló, editor’s note) and start working intensively for the next season.” – the Monegasque driver concluded.
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