Ferrari fans, known for their unwavering passion, turned out in massive numbers with over 5,000 Tifosi present at Fiorano to witness Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc take their first laps in the SF-25.
On Wednesday, Ferrari utilized the filming day rules to kick off their 2025 Formula 1 campaign preparations. The pair completed 200 kilometers (124 miles) in their new car, marking its first on-track outing as Ferrari checked the car’s systems ahead of the sole pre-season test. This important session will take place from February 26 to 28 at the Bahrain International Circuit, where all 10 teams will gather for the only unrestricted running before the Australian Grand Prix. There, Hamilton will make history as the 13th British driver to race for Ferrari.
Ferrari fans couldn’t help but joke about “tea time” during a pause in Hamilton’s SF-25 shakedown, highlighting their playful spirit and passion. After Hamilton’s arrival from Mercedes, the Tifosi have been eager to make him feel at home at Maranello, and their enthusiasm was clear at Fiorano. While just over 1,000 fans attended Hamilton’s first test in January, the crowd more than quintupled on Wednesday as fans flocked to witness the action.
According to Auto Racer, Ferrari supporters continued to fill the streets around Fiorano throughout the day as Leclerc and Hamilton tested the SF-25 for the first time. Charles Leclerc, taking the first laps of the day, came very close to breaking the Fiorano track record, completing a smooth run without issues. Lewis Hamilton, too, enjoyed an uninterrupted session, even managing 10 consecutive laps. However, after his initial run, there was a significant break in action.
This gap, which lasted around 30 minutes, sparked lighthearted jokes among the Tifosi who quipped it was “tea time” as they waited for Hamilton’s return to the track. Despite the delay, Lewis Hamilton resumed his runs without further problems as Ferrari turned their attention to the upcoming Bahrain test.
The pre-season testing session at the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, scheduled for next week, will be Ferrari’s first real opportunity to measure their SF-25’s speed against their competitors. Hamilton will also be hoping that a more familiar track environment will ease his adjustment to the new car. Although the filming day at the Fiorano circuit went smoothly, Hamilton was 0.8 seconds slower than Leclerc during their runs. The British driver will no doubt be keen to close that gap when the real action begins in Bahrain, ensuring he sets the pace alongside the Monegasque driver as he settles into his new team.
While Charles Leclerc is now entering his seventh season with Ferrari, having joined from Sauber after just one year in F1, the British driver’s arrival adds a new dynamic to the team. As Leclerc has become a fixture at Maranello, Hamilton is still finding his feet at Ferrari, with the 2025 season poised to be a defining year for both drivers.
Leave a Reply