Ferrari announce major Hamilton DEBUT update in…read more
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has provided an update on when Lewis Hamilton will make his highly anticipated debut with the Italian team. The seven-time World Champion is set to join Ferrari in 2025, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world title. However, Hamilton has had to wait to drive for Ferrari, as other Formula 1 drivers were able to test with their new teams in the post-season Abu Dhabi test. Hamilton, on the other hand, had prior commitments with Mercedes, fulfilling sponsorship obligations and delaying his debut in Ferrari red.
After 12 seasons with Mercedes, Hamilton will finally make his transition to Ferrari in 2025. Vasseur, who was Hamilton’s boss in GP2 and will now work with him again in 2025, has shared new details about Hamilton’s potential debut in a Ferrari car before the pre-season test in Bahrain in February. The F1 testing program allows drivers to test previous cars, and Vasseur has suggested that Hamilton could use this opportunity to familiarize himself with Ferrari’s cars at the team’s Fiorano track, assuming the weather permits.
Vasseur mentioned that the possibility of this test is contingent on weather conditions in January, as it is challenging to predict the climate at the Fiorano circuit during that time. Despite the challenges, Vasseur acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation, as Hamilton has likely dreamed of this moment for many years. However, he emphasized the importance of Hamilton staying focused once the initial emotional moment passes.
The upcoming test schedule is tight, with the first official testing days in mid-February, as well as the launch of the championship starting on February 18. The car launch will follow on February 19, with the team heading straight to Bahrain afterward. Vasseur acknowledged that the preparation time is short, with only around four weeks available at the factory before the first official event of the season. Despite the condensed timeline, Vasseur remains confident that the team will be ready for the season opener, although it will be a busy period leading up to the first race in Melbourne.
As the new chapter in Hamilton’s career approaches, the anticipation grows for his debut with Ferrari and what he can achieve with the team.
