Even though Lewis Hamilton could not participate in the post-season Pirelli tyre testing with Ferrari, the seven-time F1 champion is set to have his first on-track experience with the Scuderia in a two-year-old Ferrari.
Hamilton announced his surprising departure from Mercedes on February 1st, shocking the Formula One community as he was expected to continue racing for the team until 2025.
However, Hamilton had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave in 2025 if he chose to do so, leading him to terminate his contract early and seek a new challenge at Ferrari for the following year.
Statistically, Hamilton is the most successful driver in Formula One history, sharing the record for world championship titles with the legendary Michael Schumacher.
Although Hamilton was not released early by Mercedes, it is anticipated that he will complete his first laps with Ferrari before the official pre-season testing in Bahrain begins.
Reports from respected Italian publication Auto Racer suggest that Hamilton will have his first track time with Ferrari on either Tuesday, January 21 or Wednesday, January 22.
The location is expected to be Fiorano, a track close to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello. Ferrari may use the SF-75 from 2022 and the SF-23 from 2023 for the test to help Hamilton adjust to Ferrari’s equipment and procedures.
Additionally, Pirelli is planning a tyre test at Magny Cours at the end of January, providing another opportunity for Hamilton to drive a Ferrari F1 car.
Regarding Hamilton’s potential first day with the team, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur mentioned plans for a test day but stated that details are still pending.
Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton’s experience and emphasized that the technical regulations continuity from 2024 would provide a reference point for the team.
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