It’s the most anticipated driver move in recent Formula 1 history: After 12 years at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton will become a Ferrari driver as of New Year’s day.
His first race in red will be at the season opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16, but details of what comes before that have been scarce up until now.
Speaking at Ferrari’s annual end-of-season press conference, team principal Fred Vasseur provided some insight into what the seven-time world champion’s first few months would look like in his new job.
When will Hamilton first drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car?
The exact date and location of Hamilton’s first outing in a Ferrari have not been set in stone just yet. F1’s preseason test — at which all ten teams will be on track for three days in Bahrain — will take place from Feb. 26-28, but there will be opportunities for Hamilton to make his debut in a Ferrari F1 car before then.
Once his contract starts in 2025, he will be free to get behind the wheel of a two-year-old Ferrari (most likely the SF-23 from 2023) as permitted by F1’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.
Vassuer confirmed Hamilton would make use of the TPC regulations in order to familiarize himself with a recent Ferrari, but said the date and location would depend on weather conditions in northern Italy early next year.
Ferrari’s own test track, Fiorano, is a likely destination for his first test, but nearby Imola and Mugello could serve as alternatives if needed.
Pirelli also has a 2025 tyre test planned for late January at the French circuit Magny Cours, which would provide an opportunity for Hamilton to get behind the wheel of a 2024-spec Ferrari.
“We will have the occasion to do a TPC or Pirelli test day,” Vasseur said. “But it’s closely linked to the weather, and we didn’t take a decision [on a date or venue].
“It’s always a challenge, starting from the beginning of January until the launch of the season. It means that for sure it’s critical that you have only six weeks [before preseason testing], it’s not easy.
“But I think he’s also coming with his own experience. He’s not the rookie of the year. It means that I’m not worried at all about this.
“It’s also the continuity of the previous [technical] regulations [from 2024] and so that means for us, we have some reference. I’m not worried, but it’s true that it’s a challenge.”
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