Hamilton and Leclerc trade laughs testing Ferrari's 830hp limited-edition 12Cilindri Manuale at Fiorano

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc tested Ferrari’s limited-edition 12Cilindri Manuale at the manufacturer’s Fiorano circuit, with both drivers sharing their reactions to the 830hp V12 grand tourer.

The 12Cilindri Manuale was unveiled in July 2026 as a special-series variant of the Ferrari 12Cilindri. At its core is a front-mid-mounted 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 830 hp, paired with Ferrari’s new in-house Manuale-By-Wire system. The technology delivers a manual gearbox feel while retaining the advantages of Ferrari’s dual-clutch transmission, with a clutch-by-wire pedal completing the analogue illusion. A round aluminium gear knob, six-speed shift gate, and integrated active aerodynamics round out the package — details Ferrari says are a deliberate nod to its classic GT heritage.

Leclerc was first into the driver’s seat, with Hamilton riding shotgun. “You’re so chill. You are the chill guy!” the Monegasque told his seven-time world champion team-mate mid-lap. Stepping out of the car, Leclerc offered a one-word verdict: “Amazing!”

Hamilton’s run produced a similarly enthusiastic response. “Fantastico! It’s very cool. Wow. It’s so much fun to drive,” the Briton said afterwards, the pair audibly laughing throughout the session.

Ferrari shared footage of the test on its official YouTube channel, where the video had already surpassed 200,000 views. Fan reaction was broadly positive, with one commenter writing: “This has to be one of the first videos in a while where the drivers driving the new car are actually happy, especially Leclerc. Nice job Ferrari on producing a magnificent car.”

Only 1,499 examples of the 12Cilindri Manuale will be produced.