F1 News Today: FIA Summons Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari as driver absence confirmed… Read more
F1 News Today: FIA Summons Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for Inspection as Driver Absence Confirmed
Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has been called in by the FIA alongside his new team, Ferrari, for an official car inspection ahead of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. As the first race of the season kicks off in Melbourne, all ten teams and their twenty full-time drivers are preparing for the weekend at the Albert Park Circuit. Among the changes to the grid, Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari continues to generate excitement, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how the seven-time world champion fares with the Scuderia.
Hamilton, who stunned the motorsport world in February 2024 by announcing his departure from Mercedes after 12 seasons, has joined Ferrari in pursuit of an elusive eighth championship title. The British driver has shared the record of seven world titles with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher, and his move has added a fresh layer of anticipation to the 2025 season. The decision to leave Mercedes, a team where he enjoyed immense success, came as a surprise, sparking a series of dramatic changes across the driver market. As a result, only two teams have retained the same driver pairings from 2024, further adding to the unpredictability of the upcoming season.
Hamilton is now partnered with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, a formidable duo that many are predicting could contend for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Both drivers will debut Ferrari’s latest car, the SF-25, in the first practice session of the weekend on Friday, 14 March. The Australian Grand Prix is always a highly anticipated event, and the addition of Hamilton in Ferrari red has heightened the expectations around the 2025 opener.
Before Hamilton can take to the track, however, Ferrari’s car has been selected for an inspection by the FIA. In line with the governing body’s standard procedure, Hamilton’s Ferrari was one of three cars randomly chosen for a pre-race weekend inspection at the Melbourne event. This regulation, outlined in Article 19 of the F1 sporting regulations, requires selected teams to present their car for a thorough examination to ensure that all vehicles meet the technical standards set by the FIA.
The process involves positioning the car in the pit stop area, where FIA officials inspect various elements to ensure compliance with safety and performance regulations. Joining Ferrari in this inspection will be Sauber, with its new driver Gabriel Bortoleto, and Racing Bull, represented by Isack Hadjar. While the procedure is routine, the scrutiny placed on Hamilton’s new Ferrari will likely attract more attention due to his high-profile switch and the increased focus on his debut with the team.
Hamilton’s quest for an eighth world title is a major storyline heading into the new season, and his time with Ferrari is expected to be pivotal in determining whether he can secure his place at the top of the sport’s history books. Having made the bold decision to leave Mercedes, a team where he had established himself as a dominant force, Hamilton is now under pressure to deliver results with Ferrari.
The partnership between Hamilton and Leclerc is also one to watch, as the two drivers, both highly competitive, will be aiming to bring Ferrari back to championship glory. While Hamilton brings unparalleled experience and success, Leclerc is known for his raw speed and determination, making them a formidable pairing on paper.
As the Australian Grand Prix weekend begins, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he embarks on this new chapter of his illustrious career. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Ferrari’s SF-25 performs, and whether Hamilton can hit the ground running in his pursuit of an eighth championship title.
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