Just In: Lewis Hamilton told Ferrari he didn’t want to make F…read more
Lewis Hamilton told Ferrari he didn’t want to make F…read more
Lewis Hamilton will not debut for Ferrari in the upcoming post-season test in Abu Dhabi, despite speculation surrounding his much-anticipated move to the Italian team in 2025. The annual test, held after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, typically allows drivers transitioning to new teams an early opportunity to acclimate to their future cars. However, Hamilton has opted out of the session, with his first outing in the iconic red Ferrari now postponed until next year.
Hamilton’s blockbuster multi-year deal with Ferrari, announced before the start of the 2024 season, marks a sensational chapter in his career after years of dominance with Mercedes. Despite this transition, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff confirmed that Hamilton remains contractually tied to his current team for now, which limits his participation in any Ferrari-related activities this year.
Addressing the situation, Wolff explained during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend that Ferrari’s Team Principal, Frédéric Vasseur, did not formally request Hamilton’s involvement in the test. Wolff cited existing Mercedes commitments, including farewell events and sponsor obligations, as key factors preventing an early release. “Fred didn’t ask, and we have obligations we need to fulfill,” Wolff remarked. “Lewis and I spoke briefly about it, and we agreed it wouldn’t work. That was the end of it.”
Vasseur, who shares a longstanding rapport with Hamilton from their GP2 days in 2006, echoed similar sentiments. While Ferrari allowed Carlos Sainz, whom Hamilton will replace in 2025, to test with Williams, Vasseur respected the contractual constraints surrounding Hamilton. “There’s a contract, and we have to honor it,” he stated. “It’s not because we made arrangements for Carlos that the same applies to everyone. Toto and I agreed, and I didn’t push further.”
Interestingly, Hamilton revealed that Vasseur had shown interest in having him drive for Ferrari in Abu Dhabi. However, the seven-time world champion chose to delay his debut, expressing a preference to avoid such a significant moment taking place in a public, high-profile setting. Hamilton noted his intention to approach the Ferrari chapter of his career with full focus and a fresh start in 2025.
While fans will need to wait a little longer to see Hamilton in Ferrari colors, both he and his current team remain committed to concluding their partnership on a high note, emphasizing mutual respect and professionalism during this transitional phase.
About The Author
