Why rival F1 driver was spotted at Ferrari factory during Lewis Hamilton's first day of testing at new team

The reason why a rival Formula 1 driver was spotted at the Ferrari factory during Lewis Hamilton's first week has been revealed.

Earlier in the week, Hamilton began life as a Ferrari driver as he arrived at the team's base in Maranello.

After sending the internet into overdrive with his social media post, the 40-year-old went behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car for the first time on Wednesday morning.

The seven-time world champion completed 30 laps of the test track in Fiorano and his lap times were quickly compared to the likes of Charles Leclerc and Michael Schumacher.

It was also claimed that a fellow F1 star was spotted at the Ferrari factory on the same day as Hamilton's first test.

Fellow Formula 1 driver spotted in Maranello on the same day as Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut

As reported by Motorsport.nl, Haas driver Esteban Ocon was at the Ferrari team base in Maranello.

Since Haas entered the sport back in 2016, they have had a technical partnership with Ferrari, meaning they could share resources including parts such as the gearbox and suspension.

The report stated that Ocon was at the Ferrari factory on the same day as Hamilton to work in their simulator ahead of the 2025 season.

At present, the Haas F1 team do not have their own simulator, hence why a visit to Maranello was necessary for Frenchman Ocon.

Like Hamilton, Ocon is also bidding to impress his new team after he left Alpine for Haas on the back of the 2024 season.

Esteban Ocon left Alpine for Haas ahead of the 2025 season. Image: Getty

Reflecting on his first outing in a Ferrari F1 car, Hamilton said: "Driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life.

"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."

The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.