Unveiled: Lewis Hamilton Marks His First Ferrari F1 Test Lap Time

Details emerge from Lewis Hamilton's initial Formula 1 testing session with Ferrari on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Lewis Hamilton made his much-anticipated first appearance on the track as a Ferrari F1 driver.

The seven-time world champion took Ferrari's 2023 Formula 1 car for a spin at the team's Fiorano testing circuit, aiding in his adjustment to his new team.

According to AutoRacer, his lap was clocked at a precise one minute per round. The report suggests that minor errors and chilly weather conditions affected his lap time.

Hamilton made his first appearance on the track at 9:16 am local time (8:16 GMT), navigating a wet circuit under foggy skies for an installation lap.

The British driver, aged 40, completed roughly 30 circuits in four sessions during the morning, achieving approximately 100 kilometers out of the maximum 1000 kilometers that current racers are permitted to undertake for their squads, according to Formula 1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) limitations.

Lewis Hamilton initially tested out Pirelli's 'Academy' tyres designed for wet conditions during a non-race weekend session, and then moved on to dry weather slick tyres for his last stint, completing roughly five laps.

Hamilton's control seemed compromised, experiencing multiple minor skids and veering off track during his first 10-lap stint.

Hamilton finished his running just after 11:00 local time (10:00 GMT) due to deteriorating weather conditions.

In the afternoon, Charles Leclerc, the team's new addition, stepped in to pilot the SF-23 during a session in the rain, later exciting the devoted fans by performing several donut maneuvers.

During the midday recess, Hamilton made his way to welcome the enthusiasts who had endured the chilly, gloomy weather to line up along the edge of the race track's boundary, eager for an initial look at their newly acclaimed idol and Ferrari’s latest high-profile acquisition.

Sky Sports News correspondent Craig Slater reported from the scene, stating that "thousands" of fans were present at the test event, which was officially held without any public admission.

The excitement around Hamilton's inaugural week with Ferrari, beginning with a Monday trip to the renowned Maranello base, allegedly set off a 'state of emergency' in the area.

On Wednesday, Hamilton's first trial would have offered him preliminary insights into Ferrari's Formula 1 vehicles and allowed him to understand the performance of the Ferrari engine.

Up until now, across his 18-year career in Formula 1, Hamilton had exclusively raced with Mercedes engines.

The day also provided Hamilton with the opportunity to familiarize himself with the team's operational procedures and establish a connection with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

Hamilton is authorized to undertake an additional 900 kilometers of driving in vintage Ferrari F1 vehicles. It's reported that Ferrari has reserved the Barcelona track for a subsequent TPC session with Hamilton towards this month's conclusion.

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He consistently delivers reports directly from the events, sharing the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Lewis Hamilton Speaks Out for the First Time After Driving a Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton Shares His Initial Thoughts on Driving a Ferrari for the First Time

Lewis Hamilton has shared his initial reactions after driving a Ferrari for the very first time.

On Wednesday in Italy, Hamilton took control of his new Formula 1 team's vehicle for the first time.

Following his inaugural 30-lap journey in the Ferrari, he shared his initial thoughts.

"Hamilton mentioned, "Throughout my career, I've had the fortune of experiencing numerous milestones, including my initial test, debut race, first podium finish, initial victory, and premier championship."

This morning, I had the exhilarating experience of driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time, and I must say, it was among the most incredible moments I've ever felt.

As I ignited the engine and maneuvered out of the garage, a broad grin spread across my face.

The experience took me back to when I first drove a Formula 1 car. That initial trial was thrilling and memorable. Now, nearly two decades later, I find myself reliving those same feelings.

Even before stepping in, it was evident to me how fervent the Ferrari clan is, encompassing all team members to the devoted Tifosi!

"Seeing it up close as a driver for Ferrari has been incredibly inspiring. The enthusiasm is deeply ingrained in them, and it's impossible not to feel invigorated by it."

"I feel incredibly thankful for the warmth and affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's a significant amount of work ahead, but I'm eager to dive in."

A mother's affection is eternal! ❤️ At Lewis Hamilton’s initial Ferrari F1 trial, he was accompanied by his mother, Carmen 🫶 pic.twitter.com/OapqgNNU0r

New team member Charles Leclerc commented, "Returning to the car for the first time after the break is always exhilarating. It feels wonderful to be racing again and seeing the large number of supporters who came to cheer us on."

Experiencing the high enthusiasm around the team is truly inspiring. The day turned out well, despite a slight drizzle during my drive.

Certainly, it was delightful to witness Lewis taking his initial spins in a Ferrari, marking a memorable occasion both for him and the team. I'm now eagerly anticipating my return to the cockpit next week and am ready to put in the effort for the upcoming season.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, expressed, "Every season, the initial outing on the race track always brings about a sense of nostalgia, akin to returning to school after a long break, and today was particularly sentimental as it marked Lewis’ inaugural day with our team.

Greeting a fresh face behind the wheel is consistently a significant occasion. Perhaps today didn't hold the same level of uniqueness for Charles, yet it was refreshing to observe him in good shape, at ease, and eager to return to the race track.

Regarding the technical aspects, Charles and Lewis navigated their circuits under less-than-ideal weather conditions, yet they managed to readjust and fully engage with the racetrack atmosphere in preparation for the upcoming official trial in Bahrain, scheduled for a month from now.

"The team in the garage used it as a practice session. That was their only intention for the day."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned a wide array of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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EXCLUSIVE – Brad Binder examines the unique way Pedro Acosta rides

"It's exciting to have him join as a teammate. He has a few skills that he does exceptionally well."

For his sixth season in MotoGP, Brad Binder will welcome a new teammate. Pedro Acosta, who was a standout rookie last year, is moving up to the factory Red Bull KTM squad, taking over the spot previously held by Jack Miller.

Acosta will join his fourth different MotoGP teammate in Binder, following previous partnerships with Pol Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira, and Miller. However, Binder is the first teammate with a notable age gap, as Binder is 29 and Acosta is 20.

In earlier racing classes, I've worked with teammates who were younger than me, but moving into MotoGP, this will be the first experience of its kind, Binder mentioned to Crash.net. "Pol was a few years my senior, while Jack and Miguel are roughly my age."

"In any case, I'm eagerly anticipating it."

"Without a doubt, Jack has been a fantastic colleague, and I've really enjoyed working with him over the past few seasons. However, I believe Pedro offers a fresh dynamic to the team."

"His unique way of riding is impressive, and his methods are exceptionally precise. It's going to be exciting to have him on the team."

Binder achieved a milestone by securing KTM’s inaugural MotoGP victory in just his third race. This triumph occurred a year before Acosta made a sensational entry into the grand prix circuit, clinching the Moto3 championship as a rookie in 2021.

Last season, they encountered each other on the racing circuit when Acosta's advancement to the main KTM team for 2025 became almost inevitable, thanks to his achievement of five podium finishes and four Sprint podiums while with Tech3.

Binder achieved his only podium finishes during the initial round in Qatar. However, he managed to surpass Acosta, securing his position as KTM’s leading racer by finishing fifth in the overall world championship standings.

When asked to clarify what he meant by Acosta's unique way of riding, Binder elaborated:

"There are specific skills he excels at, especially when it comes to braking. He consistently knows just how far to push the limits without exceeding them and manages to bring the bike to a stop at precisely the same spot every time!"

"One remarkable aspect of his riding technique is how effectively he can maneuver the bike."

"I'll meet up with Jack outside of the racing environment."

Binder's aggressive and uncompromising approach during races is quite different from his relaxed and friendly demeanor when he's not on the track.

Similar to numerous other racers, the athlete from South Africa resides in Andorra throughout the European racing season, with Miller being one of his nearby residents.

Binder commented on the Australian's move to Pramac Yamaha, noting, "I might not see Jack as often at the MotoGP circuit, but I am confident that our relationship off the track will remain the same."

"When we're away, especially in Andorra, we often spend a lot of time together. Our homes are just about 300 to 400 meters apart, making it very convenient. I believe it will be exciting for him as well, offering a fresh experience and a new endeavor."

Beyond the allure of a MotoGP event, a rider's existence is largely governed by an unyielding schedule of training.

According to Binder, the simplest activity to engage in while in Andorra is cycling. "There's a small café nearby, and nearly every day, a group of four or five people is eager to go for a ride," he remarked.

A message simply appears in the group chat asking, "8 or 9 o'clock?" That's essentially the usual routine. The trail includes some incredibly steep ascents, which are awe-inspiring. It takes about an hour and a half to climb up, but only 20 minutes to return home!

"Competing in races involves a very narrow margin. It's a situation where you're either fully involved or not at all." Binder, who started competing on the world stage in his early teenage years, mentioned that he has never considered any alternative career paths outside of being a professional motorcycle racer.

"I'm almost certain, about 95%, that I'd be working in engineering alongside my father," he mentioned.

As kids, we always handled the maintenance of our bikes ourselves, and even now, I continue to do the basic tasks at home, such as replacing tires, brake pads, oil, and other similar things.

"It's the most significant activity I love doing outside of racing."

"Definitely, at some point in my professional journey, after my racing days have concluded, that will be my next focus."

In a similar vein, what is Binder's opinion on what sets apart riders who succeed in reaching MotoGP from other skilled young riders who do not make it?

"Indeed, it's quite a delicate balance," he responded.

Throughout the years, it's common to witness some young athletes dominate their competition when they first start. However, after a while, they seem to lose their way for a few seasons, and that's the end of their momentum.

"Motorsport is an all-or-nothing endeavor. There is no middle ground. You either succeed, or you need to look for a different career."

"It's crucial to ensure that any 'rough patches' you encounter—since everyone experiences them—are kept brief."

"If they continue for an extended period, the outcome is unpredictable."

Binder, who clinched the Moto3 World Championship title in 2016 and finished as the second-place competitor in the Moto2 category in 2019, is gearing up to begin his 14th year in grand prix racing, set to commence in Thailand

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Francesco Bagnaia dedicated significant time to reviewing his errors and less successful races. He noted that he still struggles a bit with left-hand turns.

Eleven Grand Prix victories. Eight races without scoring any points. A total of ten points.

In Francesco Bagnaia's 2024 MotoGP season, the Italian rider secured more Grand Prix victories than the rest of the field together. However, he ultimately fell short by ten points, losing the championship to Jorge Martin.

At the Ducati Lenovo team's launch event this week, two-time champion Bagnaia admitted that he has dedicated a significant amount of time to studying and revisiting his errors and least successful races from the previous year.

Bagnaia concluded that he needed to be more patient in certain situations, even though the reasons for his lack of scores differed.

He expressed a desire to consistently be at the forefront. However, he acknowledged that there are times when exercising patience is advantageous, given the lengthy nature of the championship.

"Indeed, it's possible to earn or lose a significant number of points each weekend. Additionally, not all of those instances were due to my mistakes."

"Had I been more patient in several instances and avoided accidents, perhaps securing 13 points would have sufficed to clinch the title."

In instances like the confrontations with the Marquez brothers in Portimao with Marc and in Aragon with Alex, exercising patience might have been beneficial. However, there were also times when Bagnaia crashed independently while maintaining a composed riding style.

"It's often challenging to foresee outcomes, as I've experienced losing control at the front even when I was composed. Instances like the final lap in Barcelona's Sprint and in Malaysia highlight this complexity. It's puzzling, but I'll keep trying to make sense of it."

The situation isn't about the team needing to get better individually; rather, we must find ways to enhance our performance collectively in certain scenarios.

"It should happen naturally, simply performing our duties without feeling stressed at times, just going about our tasks as usual and everything will become smoother."

Bagnaia pointed out that he experienced just nine spills throughout the season, placing him 17th on the list for the most falls during the previous year.

The issue highlighted by the title is that seven of the incidents occurred during competitions, with one retirement due to a technical problem in the Le Mans Sprint.

He clarified that the goal isn't to alter the overall strategy, but rather to make adjustments during the races.

"If we consider the statistics, I had fewer crashes than many other riders last year. However, seven out of my nine crashes occurred during races, which is an area I need to work on improving."

"In terms of racing, Bagnaia was frequently unbeatable last season, achieving commanding back-to-back wins at Assen, Austria, and Barcelona."

Nonetheless, the Italian admitted there is still a specific aspect where he could enhance his skills.

Altering one's riding style is a challenging and lengthy endeavor. However, he expressed a desire to enhance his performance from the initial test by striving to be as competitive on left turns as he is on right turns.

"This is already positive because I feel extremely confident on the right turns. However, I lack something on the left turns, so I will work on improving in that area."

This is entirely different from his new teammate, Marc Marquez, who is well-known for his exceptional skills in left-hand turns and on tracks that run counterclockwise, including COTA, Sachsenring, Aragon, and Phillip Island.

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Peter has spent two decades in the paddock and has witnessed the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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VIEW: Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia participate in their inaugural interview as colleagues on the Ducati MotoGP team. The duo comes together for an initial discussion as team-mates under the Ducati banner.

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia have conducted their inaugural joint interview as teammates for the factory Ducati MotoGP team. You can view the interview below.

On Monday, January 20th, the Ducati factory team kicked off its 2025 season at a presentation held in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Explore further: Why Ducati's MotoGP superteam is bound to face challenges

This event was notable as it was the debut of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez wearing the complete factory Ducati colors. Alongside his teammate Bagnaia, they unveiled the brand's 2025 livery.

On Tuesday, the two athletes participated in their inaugural race together as teammates in a downhill skiing event. Following the competition, they sat down for an interview with TNT Sports' Gavin Emmett.

View it underneath.

Last summer, Ducati initially intended to elevate Jorge Martin to its official team to join forces with two-time premier class world champion Bagnaia.

When Marquez openly declined the offer to ride a factory Ducati with the Pramac team, it led the management of the Italian brand to reverse their decision.

As a result, Martin, who later became the 2024 world champion, also secured a contract with the factory Aprilia team.

Pramac has ended its collaboration with Ducati and will team up with Yamaha for the 2025 season.

Due to recent changes, Ducati's presence in the lineup has decreased from eight riders to six. This season, only three GP25 motorcycles are being raced by Bagnaia, Marquez, and VR46 team member Fabio Di Giannantonio.

In the previous year, Ducati achieved unprecedented success in MotoGP by securing victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races, which resulted in a commanding 395-point advantage in the constructors' championship standings.

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Kevin Magnussen secures a new position to remain with Haas

Kevin Magnussen will continue to be present in the Formula 1 paddock in 2025

The Haas team has announced that Kevin Magnussen will stay with them in the role of a test driver.

After the 2024 F1 season, the American team decided to part ways with Magnussen, as team principal Ayao Komatsu chose to introduce an entirely new roster of drivers.

Esteban Ocon has transitioned from Alpine, and Oliver Bearman, who is backed by Ferrari, will begin his full-time Formula 1 career in 2025.

Kevin Magnussen is the most seasoned Formula 1 driver on the Haas team, starting his journey with them in 2017.

Although he was let go at the close of 2020, the Danish driver made a comeback in 2022, replacing Nikita Mazepin.

Magnussen kept a positive rapport with Komatsu, allowing him to stay with the team.

According to The Race, Komatsu has announced that Magnussen will participate in several TPC (testing of previous cars) sessions for the team.

He mentioned that the individual will participate in several TPC events to serve as a benchmark. He also noted that they maintain a positive relationship.

Magnussen is scheduled to be present at several F1 grand prix weekends as a backup driver, as long as it doesn't interfere with his personal racing schedule in 2025.

The ex-McLaren racer is set to lead BMW's LMDh initiative in the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Is there a possibility for Magnussen to make a comeback in F1?

The likelihood of Magnussen rejoining the F1 lineup is quite low.

In all likelihood, Cadillac is the sole viable candidate, as they are anticipated to become part of the lineup in 2026.

It is believed that Cadillac is searching for a seasoned driver to head their team in 2026.

Magnussen would encounter strong rivals vying for the position.

Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Zhou Guanyu are all options, whereas Yuki Tsunoda could consider a chance with them, as Red Bull has once more passed him over.

Magnussen has expressed his desire to compete for victories once more, which is why he decided to transition to sportscar racing.

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Gigi Dall’Igna: "Top riders", but "perhaps impossible" to surpass last year's achievements

Gigi Dall’Igna discloses plans for a new swingarm, chassis, and fairing for the forthcoming MotoGP trials.

Ducati Corse's general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, acknowledges that even with top-tier riders like Francesco Bagnaia and the newly joined Marc Marquez, it will be challenging to achieve the level of supremacy in MotoGP that they experienced last year.

In any case, his main priority is achieving victory in the overall 'war' rather than in each individual 'battle'.

During the team's launch event this week, Dall’Igna expressed his belief that improving upon last year's performance might be a complex and possibly unattainable goal.

"Certainly, we have the potential to enhance our performance in order to reach our primary objectives of securing the riders' and constructors' titles."

"The priority isn't outperforming last season; what truly matters is securing victories in both championships."

Last year, Ducati faced defeat in only a single grand prix, while its racers often dominated the podium and secured the first four spots in the world championship rankings.

The manufacturing plant clinched the constructors’ title with an impressive lead of 395 points, which is over twice the amount achieved by the second-place KTM.

However, as the official team welcomes six-time top-tier champion Marquez and two-time champion Bagnaia, Ducati is parting ways with the newly crowned champion Jorge Martin, along with race winners Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi.

Pramac's transition to Yamaha is decreasing the number of Desmosedici bikes on the grid to six.

The pair from Ducati Lenovo are widely regarded as the top contenders for the championship before the season starts.

Dall’Igna stated, “In my opinion, we have the top two racers on the track for 2025.”

Pecco is an exceptional motorcyclist who led us to victory in the riders' championship in 2022. He managed to maintain his status in the subsequent year and consistently competes for the world championship until the very end.

"Marc is considered not just one of the top racers in modern MotoGP, but possibly one of the greatest of all time."

"He suffered a significant injury but joined us at Gresini last year and achieved incredible feats. We feel truly honored to have him as part of our team."

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Lewis Hamilton's first appearance with the Ferrari F1 team causes a frenzy. Enthusiastic fans have flooded Maranello, eager to see the new Ferrari driver, Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton's first Formula 1 race with Ferrari has led to an "emergency situation" being announced in Maranello.

According to a report from F1-Insider, Hamilton's visits this week have prompted Luigi Zironi, the Mayor of Maranello, to request help from nearby towns.

Lewis Hamilton's much-anticipated first appearance with Ferrari has resulted in hotels around Sassuolo being "completely reserved," as enthusiastic fans flock to see their latest idol.

In the meantime, according to Motorsport, Zironi has asked the police for "tighter security protocols," specifically focusing on managing traffic around Ferrari's Maranello headquarters and their Fiorano testing facility.

On Monday, supporters gathered outside Ferrari's well-known Formula 1 headquarters to welcome Hamilton, who was visiting for the first time as an official driver after his high-profile move from Mercedes.

On Wednesday morning at Fiorano, the seven-time world champion took the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car for the first time as he intensifies his preparations for his inaugural season with the legendary Italian team.

According to reports, over 1,000 enthusiasts of Ferrari gathered at the racetrack to witness Hamilton take his initial laps in a 2023 vehicle.

Sky Sports News journalist Craig Slater reported being tightly surrounded by over 1,000 Ferrari enthusiasts. He mentioned that the crowd was so dense that he couldn't fully see how many people had assembled to witness Lewis's debut in the red car.

He is behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari. The upcoming model will be an advanced version of this, making it beneficial for Hamilton to experience the power of a Ferrari. It's worth noting that throughout his F1 career, he's only driven cars powered by Mercedes.

He will provide feedback on the comfort of his seat, which he would have tested just days before. He will also comment on how the steering wheel operates and the overall sensation of the brakes, despite the fact that these conditions are not typical.

The temperature is chilly, below 10 degrees Celsius, and there's also fog in the area. He isn't equipped with top-tier Formula 1 racing tyres; instead, he is using lower-performing academy tyres. Despite this, he will gain some insights that will allow him to communicate effectively with his engineers and team members.

Lewis is experiencing a heartfelt day, with his family present to support him. His dad, Anthony, his mother, Carmen, and his stepmom, Linda, are all here to partake in what is truly a significant occasion for him on this circuit.

The British driver, aged 40, who has set records with 105 race victories, 104 pole positions, and shares the highest achievement of seven world titles, is aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship while racing for Ferrari.

Achieving this milestone would break Ferrari's lengthy dry spell, which dates back to 2008, for securing an F1 world championship. It would also allow Hamilton to exceed the legendary Michael Schumacher, who won five out of his seven titles with the Ferrari team from 2000 to 2004.

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Lewis frequently travels to various international Grands Prix events for Crash.net. Working on-site, Lewis provides coverage by sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Lewis Hamilton's first appearance with Ferrari in Formula 1 has caused quite a stir. Enthusiastic fans have flocked to Maranello, eager to see the newly signed racing star.

Lewis Hamilton's first Formula 1 race with Ferrari has led to officials in Maranello announcing "a state of emergency."

As reported by F1-Insider, Hamilton's activities this week have prompted Maranello's Mayor, Luigi Zironi, to seek help from nearby towns.

Lewis Hamilton's much-anticipated first appearance with Ferrari has resulted in hotels around Sassuolo being completely booked as fans, eager to see their new star, flock to the area.

In the meantime, Motorsport has conveyed that Zironi has called on the police to implement "tougher security protocols," especially focusing on managing traffic around Ferrari's main office in Maranello and the Fiorano testing circuit.

On Monday, supporters gathered outside Ferrari's iconic Formula 1 headquarters to welcome Hamilton. This marked his inaugural visit as an official team member following his high-profile move from Mercedes.

On Wednesday morning at Fiorano, the seven-time world champion got behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car for the first time, marking a significant step in his preparations for his first season with the legendary Italian team.

Reports indicate that over 1,000 Ferrari enthusiasts gathered at the circuit to witness Hamilton take his initial laps in a 2023 model vehicle.

Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater described the scene as being extremely crowded, with over 1,000 Ferrari enthusiasts present. He noted that it was so packed that he couldn't fully see the total number of people who had come together to witness Lewis's debut in the red car.

The vehicle he's operating is the 2023 Ferrari model. The upcoming model will be a development of this version, making it beneficial for Hamilton to experience the performance of a Ferrari engine. It's important to note that throughout his entire Formula 1 career, he has always driven cars powered by Mercedes engines.

"He will provide feedback on the comfort of his seat, which he was fitted for just a few days before. He will also comment on how the steering wheel operates and assess the overall performance of the brakes, although the current conditions are quite atypical."

The temperature is chilly, dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, and there's also a layer of fog present. He is not equipped with the high-performance Formula 1 racing tyres but rather is using academy tyres, which do not perform as well. Despite this, he will gather some initial insights that will allow him to communicate effectively with his engineers and the rest of the team.

Lewis is experiencing a day filled with emotion as his family joins him. His father, Anthony, mother, Carmen, and stepmother, Linda, are all present to witness and celebrate this significant moment for him on the track.

The British driver, aged 40, who currently holds the records for the highest number of race victories (105), pole positions (104), and shares the record for seven world titles, aims to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship with Ferrari.

Achieving this would mark the end of Ferrari's lengthy wait for an F1 world championship, which has lasted since 2008. It would also allow Hamilton to exceed the legendary Michael Schumacher, who won five of his seven championships with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004.

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Manager of Jorge Martin asserts "there are no ego issues"

Jorge Martin's team responds to Ducati's remarks

Jorge Martin's representative, Albert Valera, stated that the 2024 MotoGP champion is not concerned with ego issues and is unfazed by remarks regarding Ducati's team for 2025.

Initially, Martin was poised to become part of Ducati’s official team this season. However, the company decided to change course and elevate Marc Marquez to that position. This decision came after Marquez declined a factory bike offer with Pramac and hinted at possibly switching to a competing manufacturer.

After joining Aprilia, Martin clinched the 2024 championship riding a Ducati managed by Pramac.

Ducati acknowledged that it was a difficult choice to allow Martin to leave. Meanwhile, Gigi Dall’Igna recently described Marquez as "the superior rider."

Reacting to the situation, Valera stated to Motorsport.com, "Ego issues are not something we deal with."

"An excessive ego can cloud your judgment and disrupt your sleep, leading you to squander time by reacting angrily to remarks such as these."

"If there's any cyclist who remains unaffected by such matters, it's Jorge, and that gives me a great sense of peace."

"We do not concern ourselves with remarks like these."

"When Ducati turned us down, Jorge didn't feel angry; he felt calm, and that mindset enabled him to approach the remainder of the season effectively."

Understanding his upcoming racing plans, having the assurance of happiness, securing his future, and concluding his journey with Ducati, regardless of the outcome, were the true keys to his championship victory in 2024.

Although Martin is anticipated to head the Aprilia team at the factory unit this season, Valera mentions that his racer has not requested to take on the role of team leader.

"He mentioned that Jorge is someone who treats others with a lot of respect and doesn't struggle with issues related to ego."

"He has never sought the title of leading Aprilia rider. In fact, he understands the importance of having a talented teammate to jointly advance the project."

Last week, Aprilia kicked off its 2025 season, with Martin revealing the #1 plate on the RS-GP motorcycle he will be competing with this year.

During the launch event, Ducati dismissed the concern, with Dall’Igna commenting that "in this situation, it's merely a figure."

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Lewis Hamilton reached out to Sebastian Vettel for guidance before his first test with Ferrari. Reports indicate that Hamilton contacted Vettel to get some tips prior to his initial experience with the Ferrari team.

According to reports, Lewis Hamilton made multiple calls to Sebastian Vettel, his former Formula 1 competitor and good friend, before Vettel's initial test run with Ferrari.

According to a report by the Italian outlet Corriere, Hamilton has been in contact with Vettel over the phone in recent weeks to get ready for his debut with Ferrari.

Both Hamilton and Vettel entered the world of Formula 1 racing in 2007, initially competing intensely against one another. However, over time, they developed a strong camaraderie following their championship face-offs. Vettel, who has clinched the world championship title four times, chose to retire from racing at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

From 2015 to 2020, Vettel was a driver for Ferrari and competed directly against Hamilton for the world championship in the years 2017 and 2018, though he was unable to secure the title in either year. During his time at Ferrari, Vettel collaborated with Riccardo Adami, who is set to be Hamilton's engineer for his debut season with the team.

As a good friend, it's expected that Hamilton would turn to Vettel for guidance, tapping into Vettel's experiences with Ferrari before making his high-profile move after a successful 12-year career with Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, aims to accomplish what Sebastian Vettel couldn't by bringing Ferrari back to the top of the Formula 1 standings after a lengthy title drought.

On Wednesday, Hamilton took the opportunity to drive a Ferrari F1 car for the first time at the Fiorano test track in Maranello.

Large groups of enthusiastic fans gathered in Maranello, positioning themselves along the fences around the track. They were eager to see Hamilton's much-anticipated first appearance and get a look at their new favorite as he took the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari.

Vettel provided companionship in Hamilton's Formula 1 journey

Reflecting on Vettel's choice to step away from Formula 1 in 2022, Hamilton referred to the German driver as a significant "ally" during his time in the sport.

Hamilton expressed his initial reaction of sadness regarding the news of his colleague's departure. "It's unfortunate to hear that he's stepping away," he remarked. Reflecting on their shared experiences, Hamilton admitted he hadn't had much time to fully process their journey together. He noted that while his career in the sport often felt solitary, this individual was one of the rare people who helped alleviate that sense of isolation.

"He has supported me through numerous challenges. I recall an incident, likely in 2007 or 2008, at Magny-Cours, where he was very vocal during a drivers' meeting, and at that moment, I realized he would become a significant force in the sport. Witnessing his achievements and his selfless nature, he has shown immense courage by advocating for his beliefs and standing up for what he values."

In my opinion, when we mention legends in our sport, I'm not particularly fond of that label. I believe he stands out as one of the most remarkable individuals we've witnessed in this field. We could certainly use more people like him.

"I'm feeling a bit down because I would have lost a supporter on the track, but I'm confident that outside of racing, he'll achieve great things. I believe we'll stay friends and hopefully find other opportunities to collaborate beyond this."

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-site reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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KTM's prospects look promising with an anticipated investment approaching €1 billion. There are speculations that KTM's investors will play a crucial role in ensuring the brand's longevity.

KTM's efforts to attract new funding from outside investors appear to have gained momentum, with speculated investments reportedly amounting to approximately €900 million.

In an effort to avoid going bankrupt during a significant financial crisis, the Austrian company began self-administration at the end of November.

Numerous strategies have been implemented to secure survival, such as halting production until February, decreasing the number of employees, and cutting down on racing operations by 2025.

A creditors' meeting held in December determined that KTM's restructuring efforts could proceed. However, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the company's future in MotoGP, amid Austrian media reports indicating that KTM may "plan" to exit the championship, potentially as soon as 2026.

KTM has announced that their MotoGP initiative will proceed as scheduled in 2025, despite the absence of their GASGAS and Husqvarna brands from the grand prix racing lineup.

Recently, KTM has attracted considerable attention from external investors who are interested in helping the company secure the funds required to settle 30% of its liabilities, which amount to a confirmed total of €1.8 billion.

A recent article from GPOne suggests that KTM investors have reportedly committed approximately €900 million.

Existing stakeholders Bajaj Auto and CFMoto are reportedly planning to boost their financial stakes. Additionally, GPOne has indicated that a number of private equity companies may participate as well.

Recently, KTM has experienced an upswing in its circumstances, leading to an increase in its stock prices.

KTM is scheduled to meet with its creditors on February 25 to discuss and vote on its proposed restructuring plan.

During the Aprilia event held last week, the CEO of the Italian company mentioned that KTM's current predicament serves as a cautionary tale for MotoGP. It demonstrates that numerous aspects of the series remain excessively costly.

Rivola also conveyed his assurance that KTM would not be compelled to exit the MotoGP lineup despite facing a financial crisis.

Earlier this month, KTM motorsport chief Pit Beirer announced that the company was implementing a detailed 100-step strategy aimed at revitalizing its racing operations. Part of this plan involves cutting down the number of factory riders to 40 by the year 2025.

The company began its 2025 season by winning the Dakar Rally.

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