F1 Exclusive: Hamilton's Debut F1 Test Revealed Ahead of Ferrari

Exclusive: Hamilton’s Debut F1 Test Revealed Ahead of Ferrari Move

Details have emerged about Lewis Hamilton’s early days in Formula 1, shedding light on his remarkable debut test that set him on the path to becoming a seven-time world champion. Hamilton, who first entered F1 with McLaren in 2007, quickly established himself as a contender, nearly winning the championship in his rookie season and clinching his first title in 2008. After a dominant period with Mercedes, where he broke Michael Schumacher’s all-time win record and matched his seven championship titles, Hamilton is now set to begin a new chapter with Ferrari.

At 40 years old, Hamilton has decided to switch teams, making the highly-anticipated move to Ferrari. He will make his debut with the team later this month, participating in Ferrari’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme before officially competing at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. This transition marks the end of his 12-season career with Mercedes, during which he became one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.

In his new venture, Hamilton will reunite with Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal. The two share a history, having worked together during Hamilton’s successful GP2 campaign in 2006, where he secured the championship and impressed many with his raw talent and dedication.

New insight into Hamilton’s early career and his first F1 test has come from Liam Lawson’s trainer, Matt Tait. Tait, who worked closely with Hamilton during his initial time at McLaren, revealed exclusive details about the driver’s first tests with the team. Tait described Hamilton as a “timid lad” when they first met, someone who was deeply focused on racing and constantly seeking ways to improve.

“He was always asking questions, trying to figure out how he could be better,” Tait told GPFans. “He would ask about everything, from his braking points to whether he was hitting the apex correctly, constantly comparing himself to other drivers. He was thirsty for knowledge.”

Tait went on to explain how Hamilton’s dedication extended beyond just driving. “We’d go for dinner after a long day, and he’d still be asking questions. ‘How can I get stronger here? What should I be eating? How can I recover faster?’ He was always looking for that one percent improvement, pushing himself to the limit in every possible way.”

These qualities were evident as early as 2006, during Hamilton’s GP2 championship-winning season. Tait noted that Hamilton’s drive and determination were relentless, adding that he “wanted that seat” at McLaren and would stop at nothing to secure it. His commitment during those early days earned him the respect of his peers and the recognition of the McLaren team, leading to his F1 debut in 2007.

“Lewis was a competitor and a hard worker, but also just a really nice guy,” Tait said. “He was always polite, always focused, and incredibly determined. That’s the Lewis I knew back then. Of course, people change as they grow, but my experience with him was nothing but positive.”

As Hamilton prepares for his Ferrari debut, many fans are eager to see how he will adapt to the Maranello-based team and whether he can replicate his past success. His debut in the Ferrari car will offer the first glimpse of how the veteran champion meshes with the iconic team, with expectations running high for the 2025 season.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the most anticipated stories in Formula 1, and the insights into his early career only reinforce his reputation as one of the most dedicated and talented drivers the sport has ever seen. Fans will be watching closely to see if this new chapter in his career brings even more success to his already illustrious legacy.