LEWIS HAMILTON sealed a lifelong ambition today by completing his first laps as a Ferrari driver.

Hamilton, who turned 40 earlier this month, left his garage at 9:16 local time (8:16am GMT) as he took to the Italian team’s private test circuit at Fiorano in foggy conditions.

The seven-time world champion is testing a 2023 Ferrari – the latest model he is allowed to use – and is permitted to drive 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) under Formula One’s rules.

Following his test at Fiorano, Hamilton is set to complete further miles at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya before the sport’s official three-day pre-season test starts in Bahrain on February 26.

Hamilton has enjoyed a whirlwind week at the Italian team’s base in Maranello after meeting up with his new colleagues following his blockbuster transfer from Mercedes.

Hamilton makes the move to Ferrari after 12 seasons at Mercedes – a transfer perceived to be the biggest in the sport’s history – and his first race for his new team will be in Melbourne on March 16.

He is due to take the wraps off his car at Ferrari’s season launch alongside team-mate Charles Leclerc on February 19 in Maranello.