Breaking news: Lewis Hamilton: Missing Abu Dhabi F1 test ‘makes start of next year….read more

Lewis Hamilton: Missing Abu Dhabi F1 test ‘makes start of next year….read more

Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged that missing out on the opportunity to drive for Ferrari during the post-season Abu Dhabi F1 test will make starting the new year more challenging. The seven-time world champion expressed his commitment to doing everything possible to recover from this setback. Unlike Carlos Sainz, who will be driving the Williams FW46 at the upcoming test, Hamilton will not have the chance to get behind the wheel of his new Ferrari until the following year.

Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, explained in Las Vegas that Hamilton’s participation in the test was hindered by “contractual agreements with sponsors.” Wolff noted that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur did not request Hamilton’s involvement in the test, suggesting that the situation might be different if he were moving to a team like Williams. Wolff mentioned that there are farewell activities planned for Hamilton, and both he and Hamilton discussed the matter, concluding that participating in the test was unlikely.

It is anticipated that Hamilton will have the opportunity to drive the 2022 Ferrari at the team’s Fiorano track before the pre-season testing begins. Speaking to media, including Crash.net, ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton admitted that missing the test would put him at a disadvantage as he prepares for the 2025 season. He stated, “Am I missing out on something? For sure. It definitely delays the process and makes the start of the year harder, but we’ll do our best to recover.”

Hamilton revealed that he did not directly ask Mercedes for the chance to drive the 2024 Ferrari but recognized that it was probably not feasible. He mentioned that Vasseur had expressed a desire for the opportunity, but Hamilton had mixed feelings about driving the Ferrari for the first time in Abu Dhabi. He stated that, ideally, he would prefer to drive the car without public scrutiny during a rollout next year.

Hamilton explained that due to his contractual obligations with Mercedes until December 31st, he understood the situation and did not feel upset about missing the test. He clarified that participating in the test was not his priority and conveyed to Vasseur that it was not something he wanted to pursue. While he is disappointed about the missed opportunity, Hamilton remains focused on making the best of the situation moving forward.