Breaking: Ferrari Provides Major Update on Lewis Hamilton’s Long-Awaited Debut...read more

Ferrari Provides Major Update on Lewis Hamilton’s Long-Awaited Debut

Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated debut with Ferrari has been slightly delayed, as the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion has yet to get behind the wheel of the legendary team’s car. While many of his F1 colleagues were able to test their new teams’ cars during the post-season session in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has had to wait. His obligations with Mercedes, including fulfilling final sponsor commitments, postponed what fans have been eagerly waiting for—the sight of Hamilton in Ferrari red.

Despite the wait, there’s now a clearer picture of when Hamilton will finally make his Ferrari debut, ahead of the official pre-season test in Bahrain in February 2025. The excitement around his first appearance in Ferrari colors has been building, and the team has provided an update on when fans can expect to see Hamilton in action.

When Will Lewis Hamilton Make His Ferrari Debut?

Hamilton’s former GP2 boss, Frederic Vasseur, who is now Ferrari’s team principal, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s plans for the 2025 season. Vasseur, who previously worked with Hamilton earlier in his career, is set to reunite with the British driver as his boss once again at Ferrari. As the head of Ferrari, Vasseur has been discussing the team’s winter plans, including Hamilton’s much-anticipated first outing in a Ferrari car.

According to Vasseur, Hamilton is expected to drive a Ferrari prior to the pre-season testing in Bahrain, under the “testing of previous cars” (TPC) program. This program allows drivers to test older cars outside of the official pre-season testing window, offering a valuable opportunity for Hamilton to get acquainted with Ferrari machinery. Vasseur mentioned that Hamilton’s first laps in a Ferrari could happen as early as next month at the Fiorano track, Ferrari’s iconic private circuit, though it will depend on the weather conditions.

“Probably yes, but we are dependent on the weather; it’s not easy in January,” Vasseur told Sky Sports in a recent interview. He acknowledged that this moment is likely to be a highly emotional one for Hamilton, who has dreamed of driving for Ferrari for many years. “It’s true that it’s quite emotional because I think he has had this moment in his mind for probably 20 years. That means it will be emotional—but it has to be emotional for one lap and then it’s time to focus!”

Ferrari’s Winter Schedule and Hamilton’s Integration

Vasseur went on to outline Ferrari’s winter schedule, which will be packed with crucial preparation before the start of the 2025 season. In addition to the TPC program, Hamilton will participate in various test days, including sessions with Pirelli, Ferrari’s tire supplier. The team has also set key dates for the unveiling of its 2025 car, with Ferrari set to launch the new model on February 19th. This will follow the official start of the F1 championship’s launch event on February 18th.

After the car launch, the team will head straight to Bahrain for the pre-season testing, which will mark Hamilton’s first formal test in a Ferrari under competitive conditions. The weeks leading up to that test will be a whirlwind for Hamilton and Ferrari, with only four weeks of preparation time at the factory before the first round of the season kicks off in Melbourne.

“It will be a tough sequence until Melbourne,” Vasseur admitted. “But it’s true that it’s a short preparation, because we have something like four weeks at the factory before the first event, but it is what it is.”

The Emotional Significance of Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut

Hamilton’s debut for Ferrari is a historic and emotional moment for both the driver and the team. After spending over a decade with Mercedes, during which he won six of his seven world championships, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen as a new chapter in his illustrious career. For Hamilton, driving for Ferrari fulfills a lifelong dream. He has often spoken about the significance of Ferrari in the world of motorsport, and now, as he approaches the final phase of his career, he is poised to don the iconic red suit and chase an eighth world title.

With the 2025 season fast approaching, Hamilton’s first laps in a Ferrari, whether at Fiorano or in Bahrain, are set to be one of the most talked-about moments in the lead-up to the new campaign. Fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see how the seven-time champion will adapt to his new team and whether Ferrari can deliver a car capable of adding to Hamilton’s already glittering legacy.