Lewis Hamilton stuns Italian media during first Ferrari F1 test session. How Lewis Hamilton ‘surprised’ the Italian media during his first Ferrari testing outing.

The global excitement surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s first drive in Ferrari’s 2023 Formula 1 car has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Hamilton’s debut in Ferrari colors shattered social media records, with his initial post becoming an instant sensation. Meanwhile, thousands of fans flocked to Fiorano, Ferrari’s private circuit, braving dense fog to catch a glimpse of the seven-time world champion in action early Wednesday morning. Hamilton completed 30 laps before stepping off the track to personally greet the devoted fans who had waited for hours just to see him.

Ferrari has long been synonymous with attracting the biggest names in Formula 1. From Michael Schumacher to Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, some of the sport’s greatest drivers have been drawn to the allure of Maranello. Legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda, John Surtees, Jody Scheckter, and Kimi Räikkönen also achieved some of their most memorable successes with the Scuderia.

Yet, in the age of social media and with Hamilton’s unmatched F1 legacy, his move to Ferrari has transcended anything the team has seen before. The atmosphere around his arrival has become one of the most talked-about moments in Formula 1 history, underscoring his global influence.

Fans lined the streets surrounding Fiorano to catch a glimpse of Hamilton through the thick fog that also limited the testing performance of both him and Charles Leclerc in the SF-23. Despite the weather, their enthusiasm underscored the excitement building for the 2025 season.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Sky Italia journalist Vicky Piria revealed how the Italian media, despite anticipating a strong reaction, were surprised by the sheer scale of interest in Hamilton’s move. The buzz from fans and the global attention around his transfer has exceeded even their highest expectations, marking a new chapter of excitement for Ferrari and its passionate Tifosi.

Hamilton’s first test taking place so close to home for many Italian fans certainly contributed to the massive turnout. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ferrari flags waving proudly in the stands at the Circuit de Catalunya during his next outing or at Bahrain’s pre-season testing as excitement for his debut season builds.

Lewis Hamilton’s Impact at Ferrari Goes Beyond Driving

Ferrari’s announcement of Lewis Hamilton joining the team for 2025 had an immediate and significant impact, with the company’s share price surging over 10% to reach an all-time high. While this increase wasn’t solely due to the arrival of the seven-time world champion, it undoubtedly boosted confidence in the brand’s future.

Speculation has also swirled around the possibility of the British driver’s personal brands featuring on Ferrari’s car this season, adding another layer of intrigue. While it remains unclear how the team’s livery will evolve, Hamilton’s association with Ferrari has already proven to be a game-changer, both on and off the track.