Hamilton mirrors Schumacher debut as Ferrari fever takes hold

An emotional Lewis Hamilton has detailed his "special" Ferrari debut which, just like that of fellow seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher, took place in foggy conditions. 

Hamilton completed 30 laps of Ferrari's Fiorano Circuit on Wednesday morning in front of roughly 2,000 adoring fans. 

He left the Ferrari garage for the first time at 9:16 am local time, in similar weather which greeted Schumacher on his debut for the Scuderia on November 16, 1995.

Hamilton's family were present at the test, which saw him drive Ferrari's 2023 SF-23. 

Reflecting on his debut, the 40-year-old was reminded of how he felt in his first F1 test.

"I’ve been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win and championship, so I wasn’t sure how many more firsts I had but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life," said Hamilton.

"When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. 

"It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost twenty years later, feeling those emotions all over again."

During Hamilton's time on track, the Ferrari fans chanted the 105-time race winner's name as he circulated. 

At the conclusion of his running, the F1 veteran headed to the corner where all the fans were gathered for his first overwhelming interaction with them as a Ferrari driver. 

"I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi! But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring," added the Briton.

"That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it. I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started."