Why we shouldn’t read too much into Hamilton’s initial Ferrari discomfort

Earlier this week, Lewis Hamilton made his long-awaited debut for Ferrari.

The seven-time F1 champion drove the SF-23 at the Fiorano Circuit in front of thousands of Tifosi who had gathered trackside to witness the historic day.

Hamilton described it as one of the best moments of his life as he commenced a new era of his career after bringing the curtain down on a success-filled stint with Mercedes.

The inauguration consisted of 30 laps around the track as the two parties acclimatised to one another. As to be expected, however, the day was not without its hiccups.

It has been reported that problems arose with the car’s pedals, causing Hamilton a degree of discomfort.

It was stated the issue caused Hamilton to almost veer off track on occasions, but such instances are not strange when driving a new car for the first time.

The issues were unable to be fixed on the first day of running although there is no reason to panic.

Minor inconveniences are commonplace with a first test and the concerns can be ironed out ahead of the follow-up test that is set to be held in Barcelona next week.

Ferrari has communicated to RacingNews365 that initial discomfort with the pedals is routine as the team needs to gauge a measurement when a driver first sits in a car, as well as other matters that must be adapted.

The situation is somewhat similar to George Russell’s introduction at Mercedes for the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix when he substituted for an unwell Hamilton.

Russell’s feet were too big for the cockpit and he was forced to wear shoes that were too small for him throughout the weekend.

It is important to also remember that Hamilton’s Fiorano test was carried out in the SF-23 from the 2023 season, meaning there is still time for lessons to be carried over to the upcoming car, currently codenamed 677.