Just In: Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari F1 test revealed – but Ab…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari F1 test revealed – but Ab…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated debut with Ferrari will begin early next year, with his first opportunity to drive one of Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars, but any hopes of him joining the 2024 post-season testing session in Abu Dhabi have been dismissed.
After spending twelve years with Mercedes and securing seven world championships, Hamilton will part ways with the team at the end of this season. He has only three races left in Mercedes colors before he officially transfers to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Many F1 fans and industry insiders had speculated that Hamilton’s first outing with Ferrari might take place during the customary post-season test at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, held immediately after the final race of the season on December 8. This test session, which allows teams to gather data and test out new setups or tire compounds, also serves as a trial opportunity for junior drivers alongside seasoned team members.
However, Hamilton’s post-season plans rule out this possibility. The British driver is obligated to attend a series of events organized by Mercedes’ long-standing partner, Petronas, right after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. These sponsor commitments mean that Hamilton won’t be able to participate in the December testing session with Ferrari, missing out on what would have been an early chance to adapt to the team’s car and working environment.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur addressed the situation, confirming that Ferrari had initially hoped Hamilton might participate in the post-season test. But given the scheduling conflicts, Vasseur explained that Ferrari is looking to make other plans for Hamilton’s first official Ferrari experience. According to Vasseur, Hamilton’s first drive in Ferrari machinery will likely happen during one of the team’s “Testing of Previous Cars” (TPC) sessions, which will take place before the 2025 season. These TPC days, as permitted by F1 regulations, allow teams to test past models as a way to give drivers more track time without violating the current-season testing restrictions.
The TPC sessions, likely set for early next year, will give Hamilton time to acclimate to the Ferrari car and its engineering team, allowing him to become familiar with the car’s handling, setup procedures, and performance expectations. This initial track experience, though it won’t involve Ferrari’s 2025 car, is expected to be crucial for Hamilton as he transitions to The team.
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