Lewis Hamilton denied Ferrari test.

Lewis Hamilton denied Ferrari test chance at end of F1 season due…read more

Lewis Hamilton will not be permitted to drive a Ferrari in the post-season Abu Dhabi test, despite his upcoming move to the Italian team for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The seven-time F1 champion will still be under contract with Mercedes until the end of December, making it impossible for him to get behind the wheel of his future team’s car during the test, as reported by BBC Sport. This contrasts with recent precedents like Fernando Alonso, who was allowed to test Aston Martin’s car after the 2022 season, following his announcement to leave Alpine.

Hamilton’s 2025 move to Ferrari will mark the start of a new chapter in his career at the age of 40, following 11 seasons with Mercedes. He has raced exclusively in Mercedes-powered cars throughout his F1 career, making his departure highly significant. Mercedes is expected to give Hamilton a proper send-off, acknowledging his extensive contributions to the team and their shared successes, including multiple world championships.

Meanwhile, Mercedes is already preparing for life after Hamilton. Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been confirmed as Hamilton’s replacement starting in 2025, partnering with George Russell. Antonelli, a highly regarded prospect in junior racing series, is expected to follow a similar trajectory to Hamilton when he was first promoted to F1 by McLaren in 2007. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confidence in Antonelli’s ability to transition smoothly into the sport, despite the changes in F1 since Hamilton’s debut.

Wolff emphasized that Antonelli’s preparation would be meticulous, recalling how McLaren’s Ron Dennis advised Hamilton to ease into the sport in 2007—though Hamilton quickly proved his competitiveness. However, Wolff acknowledged that the modern F1 environment is more demanding, with added pressures from media and social media, which Antonelli will need to navigate.

The goal for Mercedes, according to Wolff, is to foster Antonelli’s growth and create another success story, much like they did with Hamilton. Though Antonelli will face different challenges, Mercedes is determined to support his development and ensure he is well-prepared for his F1 debut. Hamilton’s legacy will undoubtedly loom large over Mercedes as they begin a new era with their young driver.