Rumoured date emerges for Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1…read more
A highly anticipated milestone in Lewis Hamilton’s career is fast approaching, as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is set to take his first spin in a Ferrari F1 car in January. After a long and successful 12-year tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton will be joining Ferrari for the 2025 season. However, before the official start of the next F1 season, Hamilton will get a chance to familiarize himself with his new team’s car in an early test.
Hamilton was unable to participate in the Abu Dhabi post-season test in December due to his contractual commitments with Mercedes. However, he is expected to drive a 2023 Ferrari car in early January, with the test rumored to take place on January 21 or 22. Although Ferrari has not yet confirmed the exact date, it is expected to occur at one of the team’s test tracks in Italy, either Fiorano or Mugello. Imola, another nearby circuit, could be used as an alternative location if needed.
This test run is seen as an important step in Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, allowing him to get comfortable with the team and its machinery before the official pre-season tests in Bahrain, scheduled for February 26-28. Ferrari is eager to help Hamilton settle in ahead of the upcoming season, and this early opportunity will be critical for him to bond with the team and adapt to Ferrari’s driving style and operations.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, has emphasized that the test date will be influenced by the weather, with January conditions in Italy making it unpredictable. He acknowledged that the moment will be quite emotional for Hamilton, who has likely dreamt of this moment for many years. However, Vasseur stressed the importance of staying focused and not getting too carried away by the occasion.
The upcoming testing program will begin with sessions involving previous cars (TPC) and Pirelli tire testing. Following that, Ferrari will launch its 2024 campaign with an event at The O2 on February 18, and the team will unveil their car the next day on February 19. After that, it’s straight to Bahrain for the first official pre-season tests, marking the start of a busy lead-up to the new season. With just a few weeks at the factory to prepare, Vasseur noted that the team is facing a tight schedule but is ready for the challenge ahead.
