Ferrari Prepares Hamilton for 2025 Season with Extensive Barcelona Testing
Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for the 2025 Formula 1 season with Ferrari, as the team ramps up its testing program. After his first visit to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello and initial laps at Fiorano, Hamilton is set for more on-track action at Barcelona next week.
The seven-time world champion began his Ferrari journey by meeting the team’s engineers and staff on Monday, followed by a photoshoot and simulator work on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Hamilton hit the Fiorano circuit, completing 30 laps despite challenging weather. The session included installation laps, start practices, and runs on slick tires. Supporting him were his mother, Carmen, former trainer Angela Cullen, team principal Fred Vasseur, and deputy team boss Jérôme d’Ambrosio.
Reflecting on the experience, Hamilton called it “one of the best feelings of my life.” He described driving a Ferrari F1 car for the first time as akin to his early days in the sport, saying, “When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again.”
Hamilton praised Ferrari’s passion and enthusiasm, noting how energizing it was to witness the team’s dedication firsthand. “I’m so grateful for the love I’ve felt from everyone in Maranello this week. We have a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to get started,” he added.
While Hamilton ran in the morning, teammate Charles Leclerc took over in the afternoon, with both drivers covering a combined 131km due to FIA restrictions on Testing of Previous Cars (TPC). The new rules cap TPC runs at 1,000km and allow regular drivers only four test days annually. Ferrari limited its running at Fiorano due to poor weather but has planned a more extensive program in Spain.
Ferrari mechanics have already begun preparations at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Hamilton and Leclerc will share driving duties over a three-day test from January 29-31. The team will also participate in a Pirelli tire test afterward, where Hamilton will get his first chance to drive Ferrari’s 2024 car, the SF-24. McLaren will join Ferrari for the tire development session focused on Pirelli’s 2026 products.
