Major Hamilton-Ferrari Update F1 Team Boss Confirms Old Car Test

Major Hamilton-Ferrari Update F1 Team Boss Confirms Old Car Test Before……read more

In a significant development for the future of Formula 1, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will drive a previous-generation Ferrari car as part of his transition to the Scuderia. This announcement comes as Hamilton’s 12-year stint with Mercedes nears its end, sparking widespread speculation and excitement about his move to Ferrari, one of the most prestigious teams in F1 history.

However, contrary to earlier reports suggesting Hamilton might have a chance to drive a Ferrari during the post-Abu Dhabi tire test at the end of the current season, it now seems that his first official experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari will have to wait. Mercedes has confirmed that Hamilton will remain with the German team through the end of 2024, fulfilling several commitments, including promotional work for title sponsor Petronas. This decision effectively rules out the possibility of Hamilton driving a Ferrari this December, and his first taste of Ferrari machinery is now set to take place in early 2025.

Ferrari’s Strategy for Hamilton’s Transition

Ferrari’s interest in bringing Hamilton into the fold is clear, and Vasseur has emphasized the team’s desire to get the seven-time world champion on track as soon as possible to begin acclimatizing to their car and procedures. However, due to F1’s strict regulations on testing, particularly regarding new season cars, Hamilton will not be able to drive a current-spec Ferrari outside of official pre-season testing. The rules stipulate that teams can only test a car from the upcoming season during designated sessions, which begin in the new year.

However, the regulations do allow for the testing of previous-season cars, and this is where Ferrari has found a way to give Hamilton a chance to get up to speed ahead of the 2025 season. Under the “Testing of Previous Cars” (TPC) provision, which allows teams to run cars that are at least one season old, Hamilton will be able to get his first experience in a Ferrari F1 car before the start of the 2025 campaign. Ferrari has confirmed that Hamilton will test a 2022 Ferrari F1-75, which will provide him with an opportunity to familiarize himself with the team’s operating procedures and general car characteristics before the official start of his tenure with the team.

Vasseur, who has worked with several top-tier drivers throughout his career, expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to adapt to the Ferrari environment with minimal preparation. “I’m not sure that he needs tons of hours of acclimatization,” Vasseur said in a recent interview with Motorsport.com. “He is experienced enough to be quick on the first day, or at least very soon. We’ll have one or two TPC days, plus the test in Bahrain, and that will be enough.”

Hamilton’s Experience and Quick Adaptation

Hamilton’s experience in Formula 1 spans over 16 years, making him one of the most seasoned drivers on the grid. Despite his eventual switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, his track record suggests that the transition between teams, especially for someone of his caliber, should be relatively seamless. Over the years, Hamilton has shown an impressive ability to quickly adapt to new environments, be it changing car setups, team dynamics, or racing conditions.

For Ferrari, this quick adjustment is crucial, as they aim to maximize Hamilton’s input and expertise in improving the car. Vasseur believes that even with limited testing time, Hamilton’s ability to rapidly get up to speed will benefit the team from the outset. The veteran driver’s arrival will undoubtedly add an extra layer of expertise to the team, which has been under pressure in recent seasons to mount a stronger challenge to the dominant Red Bull team.

The 2022 F1-75, which Hamilton will test, represents a solid platform for the team to assess his driving style and feedback, as it remains closely related to the team’s current car. Vasseur pointed out that while testing a 2022 car may not fully simulate the challenges of racing a 2025-spec Ferrari, it will still provide Hamilton with valuable insights into how the team operates and how they can work together moving forward.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As 2024 progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s final months with Mercedes. The focus will then shift to his highly anticipated move to Ferrari, where he is expected to bring not only his driving skill but also his vast experience in race strategy, car development, and leadership within the team.

With the 2025 season fast approaching, Ferrari will be eager to harness Hamilton’s wealth of knowledge and his competitive edge to push the team back into title contention. Vasseur’s confidence in Hamilton’s ability to perform quickly and efficiently, even in a relatively short testing window, suggests that Ferrari is making every effort to ensure Hamilton’s arrival is as smooth and productive as possible.

The 2025 season could mark the beginning of a new era for Ferrari, with one of F1’s greatest drivers set to join their ranks, and the team is clearly preparing for a successful partnership with Hamilton at the helm.