"It's a historic moment." "A phenomenon is driving for us."
That was the verdict from Ferrari fans as seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton made his debut appearance for Ferrari at the Scuderia's Fiorano test track in Maranello.
Despite a grey, misty, chilly morning, 2,000 Tifosi descended on the famed circuit to watch Hamilton emerge onto the track at 9.16 am local time in the 2023 car, the SF-23.
It was a moment almost a year in the making after it was announced on February 1 last year that Hamilton would replace Carlos Sainz for 2025.
On his maiden lap, Hamilton slowed enough to acknowledge those fans who had made the effort with a wave. That meant a lot and drew raucous cheers.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Davide, who had made the two-hour drive from Milan to watch Hamilton, said: “This is where you want to be.
“We had to leave early because we knew it was going to be so busy, but everything was worth it, with Lewis also waving briefly to all of us. It is a historic moment for us Italians and I wanted to be here.
“We are all hoping for an eighth title but we will only see during the season if that is realistic.
“For now, the main thing is to enjoy the fact that a phenomenon is driving for us. That is very unique and something everyone realises here.”
With Hamilton 'something is in the air'
The question hanging over Hamilton's debut season with Ferrari after signing a two-year contract is whether he still has what it takes.
Whilst there is no doubting his motivation and desire to win a record eighth drivers' title, there were occasions towards the end of last season when Hamilton questioned himself, in particular his speed.
There is hope that after his many years with Mercedes, Hamilton will emerge reinvigorated with Ferrari and with the guidance of team boss Fred Vasseur.
The Tifosi believe.
“I had to come here,” said Cristina, who brought her dog along. “These days we are watching the Australian Open, watching a phenomenon like [Novak] Djokovic. but as far away as he is, Hamilton is so close for us now.
“It is great that he is here, and that is precisely why we drove here anyway. An hour's drive but we're happy to do it.
“The dog is a bit nervous, and she never normally is with lots of people around her, so something else is in the air. Let's hope for a great period for the Scuderia, as we all hope here.”
Carlo, a portrait photographer, feels Hamilton brings something uniquely different to Ferrari.
He said: “Lewis is an icon, and you can see that again today with the helmet he presents. He does that by having a picture taken from a unique angle, the experts see that immediately.
“Lewis has such a sense of design and fashion, amazing! That's also the reason for me coming here. Together with a friend of mine, I'm here to enjoy this moment.
“Very honestly, I don't know how Hamilton will perform, and I don't care. I am experiencing his arrival differently. His artistic side attracts me, especially in combination with Ferrari. Two great brands coming together.”
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