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Lewis Hamilton to Make Ferrari Testing Debut Amid New FIA Regulations

Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for his much-anticipated on-track debut with Ferrari in just two weeks, according to Motorsport.com. The Scuderia plans to maximize its allotted private testing days under newly restrictive FIA regulations, giving Hamilton critical preparation time ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

**Changes to Testing Rules**

The FIA introduced stricter rules for Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) starting in 2025, limiting each team to 1,000 kilometers of running with championship drivers over a maximum of four days. This marks a significant reduction from previous seasons, where teams could extensively use two- to four-year-old cars without restrictions.

The regulatory tweak follows an incident last June when Max Verstappen tested Red Bull’s 2022 RB18 at Imola to address the RB20’s kerb-riding issues. The new limits aim to level the playing field and reduce the advantage gained through private testing.

**Ferrari’s Strategy for Hamilton**

To ensure Hamilton acclimates to his new team and car, Ferrari will use its four allocated testing days and 1,000 kilometers this month. Hamilton’s maiden run in Ferrari colors is scheduled to take place at the team’s iconic Fiorano test track on January 20 or 21, depending on weather conditions.

The session will provide Hamilton with valuable seat time in a familiarization run using older machinery, helping him adapt to Ferrari’s systems, procedures, and engineering setup before pre-season testing begins.

**A New Chapter for Hamilton and Ferrari**

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the biggest stories of the offseason. The seven-time world champion left Mercedes after a decade of dominance to join the legendary Italian outfit, aiming to deliver Ferrari’s first drivers’ title since 2007.

The upcoming test marks the start of this new partnership, which has generated immense excitement among fans and pundits. Hamilton’s experience, combined with Ferrari’s ambitions, has raised expectations for a thrilling 2025 season.

**What’s Next?**

Hamilton will share the test days with his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, as Ferrari seeks to fine-tune its preparations for the upcoming campaign. With the clock ticking down to the official pre-season test in Bahrain, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s performance and the chemistry he builds with his new team.

This pivotal test at Fiorano sets the stage for what promises to be a fascinating and potentially historic season for Ferrari and Hamilton.