Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has explained the "sole purpose" of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut at its Fiorano Circuit on Wednesday.
The seven-time world champion, wearing a Ferrari race suit and his new helmet, completed 30 laps behind the wheel of the team's 2023 SF-23.
Roughly 2,000 fans watched on in awe, in what were foggy conditions for the 40-year-old.
Coincidently, the weather was identical to Michael Schumacher's Ferrari debut on 16 November 1995.
Hamilton was cheered on by the Tifosi throughout his test on Wednesday morning, before going to interact with those all gathered at one corner in particular.
It marked the British driver's first interaction with Ferrari's fans as a driver of the team, a moment Vasseur recognises as being very special.
However, despite the focus being largely on Hamilton – Charles Leclerc completed 14 laps in the afternoon – Ferrari's main goal during the test was to warm-up the team in the garage.
"As is the case every year, the first time you go out on track is a bit like the first day back at school and quite an emotional feeling, especially today as it was Lewis’ first day as part of the team," said Vasseur.
"Welcoming a new driver is always an important moment. Maybe it was less special for Charles, but it was good to see him fit, relaxed and keen to go racing again.
"As for the technical side, Charles and Lewis did their laps in not the best weather, but they got back in the swing of things and immersed themselves in the track environment prior to the first proper test in a month’s time in Bahrain.
"It was also a warm-up for the team in the garage. That was the sole purpose."
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