Breaking: Hamilton handed BOOST as Abu Dhabi Ferrari switch…read more
Hamilton handed BOOST as Abu Dhabi Ferrari switch…read more
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has been given a significant advantage as he prepares to transition to Ferrari. The Scuderia confirmed a key change for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a momentous finale to the 2024 season. This shift comes amid Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari for the 2025 campaign, a decision that will end his long association with Mercedes and usher in a new chapter of his illustrious career.
While specific details of Ferrari’s Abu Dhabi driver lineup remain under wraps, the team’s decision is seen as a strategic pivot to optimize their future. Robert Shwartzman, Ferrari’s reserve driver, has announced his departure from the team as he transitions to the U.S.-based IndyCar series. This change opens possibilities for new reserve talent, with Zhou Guanyu emerging as a strong candidate. Zhou’s potential involvement aligns with Ferrari’s broader efforts to rejuvenate its global brand appeal.
Looking ahead, Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari is already being meticulously planned. Although he won’t test the car immediately after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to farewell commitments with Mercedes, he is expected to get his first Ferrari experience in early 2025. These tests will include runs in the F1-75, Ferrari’s 2022 car, as part of the team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program. Pre-season testing in Bahrain will then allow Hamilton to refine his synergy with the team before the 2025 campaign officially begins.
This historic move is generating widespread excitement in the F1 community, as Hamilton seeks to extend his legacy with the sport’s most storied team. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly, emphasizing the veteran driver’s vast experience and readiness for this new challenge.
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a spectacle, serving as both a poignant farewell for Hamilton at Mercedes and a thrilling prelude to his Ferrari debut. This transition marks not only a personal milestone for Hamilton but also a strategic evolution for Ferrari as they aim to recapture championship glory.