Breaking: Ferrari add extra Lewis Hamilton test after FIA rule change…Read
Ferrari add extra Lewis Hamilton test after FIA rule change inspired by Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season is gaining momentum, with reports suggesting the team has scheduled a second private test session for the seven-time World Champion.
In addition to Ferrari’s traditional Fiorano pre-season test, Hamilton is expected to conduct a second outing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in late January.
This expanded schedule comes amid significant changes for Ferrari, including new technical regulations and adjustments to their car’s design.
Hamilton officially joined Ferrari on January 1, 2025, after his contract with Mercedes expired.
His decision to move to Ferrari was announced nearly a year ago, with the British driver signing a multi-year deal.
The move represents a fresh chapter for Hamilton, who will turn 40 on January 7, shortly before beginning his duties with the Italian team.
Ferrari traditionally kicks off pre-season preparations with a two-day “wake-up” test at their Fiorano track, allowing drivers and teams to reacquaint themselves with the rigors of on-track performance.
This year’s session is slated for the week of January 20, though bad weather may force the team to shift the event to Mugello or Imola.
Hamilton will use either the 2022 F1-75 or the 2023 car during this introductory test.
Additionally, Ferrari has reportedly booked a four-day window at the Barcelona circuit at the end of January.
This will allow Hamilton and the team to maximize testing opportunities under the FIA’s revised rules, which now permit World Championship drivers to complete up to 1,000 kilometers of Testing Previous Cars (TPC) annually across a maximum of four days.
The updated regulations, announced last month, aim to clarify the purpose of TPC sessions, which some teams were perceived to have exploited in the past.
The FIA introduced the changes to ensure greater transparency in the use of TPC sessions.
The new rules, influenced in part by Red Bull’s testing activities with Max Verstappen in 2024, now specify mileage limits for active drivers.
Non-competing drivers, however, retain the ability to conduct unlimited TPC running across up to 20 days.
Hamilton’s winter testing schedule will include four track days, combining the Fiorano and Barcelona tests.
These sessions are crucial for acclimating to Ferrari’s operations and machinery before the official three-day pre-season test in Bahrain from February 26-28.
Ferrari’s 2025 car, codenamed Project 677, is undergoing significant development, spearheaded by new chassis technical director Loic Serra.
Serra, who joined Ferrari after a stint at Mercedes, has been instrumental in addressing concerns Hamilton raised during his time with his former team.
One key change is the repositioning of the cockpit further back, a direct response to Hamilton’s complaints about being seated too close to the front wheels in Mercedes’ 2023 car.
Project 677 also marks Ferrari’s adoption of pullrod front suspension, a design favored by rivals McLaren and Red Bull.
This layout is expected to improve airflow to the car’s underbody, a critical area for generating downforce under F1’s ground-effect regulations.
Additional design updates include a revised wheelbase and a shorter gearbox to optimize weight distribution and enhance performance.
Despite these changes, Ferrari is set to retain its controversial pullrod rear suspension, a feature shared only with their customer team Haas.
While most teams have shifted to a pushrod configuration, Ferrari views the pullrod setup as a strength, particularly for tire management—a key factor in the team’s 2024 performance.
Former technical director Enrico Cardile defended this approach, asserting that Ferrari found no substantial performance differences between the two suspension designs.
However, Cardile has since moved to Aston Martin, leaving Serra to lead Project 677’s development.
Project 677 will be unveiled on February 19, one day after F1’s inaugural collective season launch event in London, featuring all 10 teams.
The launch will set the stage for Hamilton’s highly anticipated debut with Ferrari, as he partners with Charles Leclerc in a bid to return the team to championship contention.
Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari includes adjustments to the team’s personnel.
Riccardo Adami, who previously worked with Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel, is set to become Hamilton’s new race engineer, replacing Peter Bonnington, who has taken on a senior role at Mercedes.
Reports indicate Hamilton sought Vettel’s advice about Adami, with the four-time World Champion offering strong praise for the Italian engineer.
Adami’s experience and familiarity with Ferrari’s operations are expected to facilitate a smooth transition for Hamilton.
This collaboration will be vital as Ferrari aims to capitalize on Hamilton’s experience and leadership to refine their car and challenge for the 2025 titles.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, combined with the FIA’s rule changes, signals a new era for the sport.
The adjustments to TPC regulations are designed to balance the competitive landscape while ensuring young drivers still benefit from development opportunities.
Ferrari’s proactive approach to testing and development reflects their determination to maximize Hamilton’s impact and achieve their championship aspirations.
With testing sessions at Fiorano and Barcelona, Ferrari is providing Hamilton with a comprehensive platform to familiarize himself with their systems and prepare for the challenges ahead.
As the team finalizes Project 677, all eyes will be on Ferrari and Hamilton as they aim to recapture the glory that has eluded the Scuderia in recent years.
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