The last time an F1 icon tested for Ferrari: Hamilton follows in…read more
Lewis Hamilton is set to follow in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel when he makes his Ferrari test debut later today, January 22. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion will take his first steps toward preparing for the 2025 season as a Ferrari driver, marking a significant moment in his career. Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari began with a public appearance at the team’s Maranello factory earlier this week, and now he is set to test Ferrari’s grand prix machinery for the first time.
Hamilton’s test session will take place at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit, where he will get behind the wheel of the F1-75, a car that was used by Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz during the 2022 season. This model marked the first year of F1’s new ground-effect regulations. F1’s testing rules stipulate that only cars older than two years can be used in testing sessions for previous cars, so the F1-75 is eligible for Hamilton’s run.
This test is particularly significant because it mirrors a similar moment from Vettel’s career. In late 2014, Vettel, who had just joined Ferrari from Red Bull, made his own test debut at Fiorano. The test marked the beginning of Vettel’s journey with Ferrari, and now, over a decade later, Hamilton is following in the German’s footsteps.
Hamilton’s first outing will be followed by another test next week at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a track that hosts the Spanish Grand Prix. This session will serve as part of Hamilton’s preparations for the upcoming season with Ferrari, and it will allow him to get accustomed to his new car and the team. The two tests will be crucial for Hamilton to adapt to Ferrari’s machinery and set the foundation for his new chapter with the team.
The test also signals the start of a new era for both Hamilton and Ferrari. Hamilton, one of the most successful and recognized drivers in F1 history, will now experience life as a Ferrari driver, following his long and successful career with Mercedes. Ferrari, on the other hand, is hoping that Hamilton’s experience and expertise can help them challenge for titles in the coming seasons, as they look to return to championship-winning form.
As the 2025 season approaches, Hamilton’s time behind the wheel of the F1-75 and subsequent testing sessions will be key to his integration into the Ferrari team. It’s a fresh and exciting chapter for the British driver, and it’s sure to be a highly anticipated moment for fans and the motorsport world alike.
