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Lewis Hamilton, who will turn 40 on January 7, is set to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Hamilton, replacing Spaniard Carlos Sainz, will likely have his first track experience with the team at the Fiorano test track. This test will be conducted under F1's regulations, which permit limited use of cars that are at least two years old.
While Ferrari has not yet confirmed the exact date for Hamilton's track debut, fans are eagerly anticipating his first appearance in the team's iconic red overalls. The unveiling of Hamilton's 2025 car is scheduled for February 19, right after Formula 1's unprecedented 10-team livery launch in London.
Despite the buzz surrounding Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari, team management is cautious about how the excitement is handled. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur spoke about managing expectations and ensuring a focused approach to the season.
Ferrari’s Approach to Hamilton's Debut
Vasseur, speaking over a Christmas lunch at the Fiorano test track, acknowledged the challenges of winter weather in planning but expressed confidence in Hamilton's ability to adapt quickly. “He’s not the rookie of the year. I’m not worried about this,” Vasseur said, emphasizing Hamilton’s extensive experience in Formula 1.
The team will support Hamilton with a detailed preparation plan, including the use of a simulator to help him familiarize himself with the car’s specificities. The simulations will cover race and qualifying scenarios, ensuring that Hamilton is ready for the challenges ahead.
No Official Presentation
There will be no grand official presentation of Hamilton, similar to the one that Michael Schumacher had when he joined Ferrari in the 1990s.
Vasseur explained that Ferrari must focus on performance, as the period leading up to the start of the season will be hectic. “We have to be focused on the season,” Vasseur said. “It will be a very tight period between the first day and the launch, a matter of weeks. I want everybody to focus on performance.”
Changes in Hamilton’s Team Dynamic
Hamilton will need to adjust to a new race engineer, as his long-time collaborator, Peter Bonnington, will stay at Mercedes to work with Hamilton’s 18-year-old Italian replacement, Kimi Antonelli. While Vasseur has already decided who will be assigned to work with Hamilton, he has kept this information under wraps for now.
Vasseur is determined to forge a new approach with Ferrari, rather than simply trying to replicate Hamilton’s past successes at Mercedes. “The target is not to do a copy/paste of what Lewis is doing and try to attract all the people from Mercedes,” Vasseur said. “They were not champions the last two or three years. It means we have to do different, and we will do different with our team, guys, and resources.”
Language and Team Integration
Vasseur also shared a light-hearted comment about his ongoing efforts to learn Italian, admitting that it’s not essential for managing the team’s performance. “You know that 99% of the job is in English. I think it’s good to speak a little bit of Italian for the mechanics and for the relationship into the team, but I’m not sure it’s crucial for the performance,” he joked.
As the 2025 season approaches, Ferrari and Hamilton are focused on making the transition as seamless as possible, aiming for a fresh start with a renewed focus on performance and results.
