Just a few hours after unveiling the livery in London, Ferrari hit the track for a shakedown at Fiorano. Charles Leclerc was the first to drive the new SF-25. At the end of a trouble-free morning session, the Monegasque stopped to greet the fans around the circuit. The #16 driver of the Prancing Horse appeared cheerful and optimistic, igniting the enthusiasm of the crowd. The newborn Maranello car also seems to be smiling in terms of lap times.
The London show kicks off the 2025 season, with teams unveiling their liveries and preparing for the Bahrain tests at the end of the month. After presenting its 2025 look in the British capital, Ferrari quickly returned home. On Wednesday, February 19, Leclerc and Hamilton drove the SF-25 for the first time.
Charles Leclerc responds to fans: first impressions of the 2025 Ferrari
The Monegasque took the wheel of the single-seater on a cold Modena morning. He completed several laps, warmly welcomed by the crowd that gathered in Fiorano. After his shakedown session, Charles Leclerc did not shy away from the affection of the fans, taking a few minutes to sign autographs and take pictures.
During this meet-and-greet, the inevitable question came from the crowd: “Charles, how was the car?” The Monegasque hesitated for a moment but couldn’t hide a telling smile. Then came the brief words that give fans hope: “Good, yeah, it went well,” he admitted with a radiant expression.
Already in the evening in London, the Ferrari driver had appeared quite confident. At the SF-25 presentation, Leclerc did not hold back: “The logical goal is to win the championship. I want to fulfill my dream and also win the drivers’ title.”
Ferrari 2025: Has the SF-25 been born well? Lap times seem promising
Indeed, the Ferrari, despite running in less-than-ideal cold temperatures, appeared well-calibrated. The recorded lap times also seem encouraging for both the team and the fans. According to journalist Paolo Ciccarone, Charles Leclerc set his best time at Fiorano with the SF-25 at 00:56.06, about eight-tenths faster than the 2024 Ferrari.
During the first shakedown laps of 2024, when both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were on track, the SF-24’s best time was around 00:56.81.
After the lunch break, the Monegasque driver of the Prancing Horse handed over the car to his new teammate, Lewis Hamilton. The British champion took to the track shortly after 1:30 PM, officially making his Fiorano debut with the new Ferrari SF-25.
Source: f1ingenerale
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