Marcus Armstrong has looked back on his debut Formula 1 test with Ferrari this morning, believing he has now accomplished a childhood dream.
This morning saw Armstrong and fellow Ferrari Academy Drivers Giuliano Alesi and Robert Shwartzman turn laps in a 2018 Ferrari around the Scuderia’s Fiorano circuit.
Armstrong is now only the second New Zealander to officially drive a Ferrari for the team, following Chris Amon who last raced in Scarlett Red back in 1970.
Reflecting on what the opportunity meant to him, Armstrong was still in awe on how he has achieved one of his lifetime goals.
“Since I was a young boy this has been a dream,” Armstrong said.
“To drive a Formula 1 car firstly, but then for it to be with Ferrari is something over the top.”
View: In Pictures – Marcus Armstrong makes F1 test debut for Ferrari
Surprisingly, the 20-year-old wasn’t nervous as he focused on the importance of the test.
“On one side, yes, I was nervous because I was fulfilling a childhood dream.
“But on the other side, I wasn’t stressed because I know that it’s the start of a process and I’m massively grateful just to get the opportunity.
“Not many racing drivers get to drive an F1 car, so the experience is super valued.
“Even having a few laps in the Ferrari F1 car, the information that I learnt this morning is extremely valuable.”
Armstrong will commence his sophomore Formula 2 season in March at Bahrain. Like last year, another inter-Ferrari Junior battle is expected to flare up during the championship.
With only a limited number of seats available on the F1 grid every year, Armstrong hopes his opportunity to test with the team means his name will be considered for a future drive.
“I think the next time they are, perhaps, looking for a young driver to put in the car, they will have my name at the front of my mind because I have now had that experience.
“But we will see. That is not for me to say.”