Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for the 2025 Formula 1 season by testing with Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The seven-time world champion, who celebrated his 40th birthday in January, surprised many by leaving Mercedes for Ferrari after a 12-year stint. On Tuesday afternoon, Hamilton took over from Charles Leclerc to drive the Ferrari during a closed-door session.
Esteban Ocon, a driver for Haas, was present to witness Hamilton's debut in a Ferrari car at their Fiorano circuit. This was possible due to a technical partnership between the teams. Ocon expressed his excitement about being there, stating, "Great image," when shown a picture of Hamilton in his new Ferrari race suit.

Around 3,000 enthusiastic Ferrari fans gathered at the circuit to catch a glimpse of Hamilton in his new attire. Ocon felt fortunate to be part of this experience and shared his thoughts on the atmosphere. "There was a crazy atmosphere, people were going crazy," he said. "It's just wonderful to see that there's so much passion for Ferrari - for F1, of course - in the world."
The presence of such a large crowd highlighted the growing interest in both Ferrari and Formula 1 globally. Ocon also commented on the significance of having Hamilton, considered one of the greatest drivers of this generation, join such a successful team. He added, "It's clear that to have the greatest driver of our generation in the most successful team is just something crazy."
Ocon eagerly anticipates competing against Hamilton on track. He expressed his excitement by saying, "So yeah, I can't wait to be able to fight on track with him, that's for sure." This sentiment reflects the anticipation surrounding Hamilton's move and its potential impact on future races.
This transition marks an exciting chapter in Hamilton's career as he joins forces with one of Formula 1's most iconic teams. The enthusiasm from fans and fellow drivers alike underscores the significance of this move within the racing community.