Lewis Hamilton's official debut with Ferrari in Formula 1 has been confirmed, following the FIA's announcement regarding the early season plans for 2025. Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, stepping in for one of the greatest of the sport Michael Schumacher. He spent 12 years in Mercedes before aligning a deal with Ferrari. He will replace Carlos Sainz in Ferrari, Charles Leclerc signed a new contract with Ferrari last week and will be Hamilton's team-mate at Ferrari from next year. The seven-time world champion is the most successful driver in F1 history with 103 wins and 104 pole positions.
The 2024 season has been full of excitement, featuring surprising championship battles in both the constructors' and drivers' standings. Red Bull initially showcased dominance, with Max Verstappen securing seven race wins in quick succession. However, the reigning champion has since gone eight races without a victory, and both he and his team are finding it challenging to maintain their titles. Looking ahead, the 2025 season is shaping up to be memorable, especially with Hamilton's move to Ferrari, Adrian Newey's transition to Aston Martin, and numerous other driver changes across the grid.
When will Hamilton make his Ferrari debut?
Despite pre-season testing showing promise, Red Bull's RB20 has presented various challenges for its drivers, particularly after an impressive start to the season. Pre-season testing, crucial for evaluating team performance ahead of a new season, will again take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in 2025. However, the 2025 season will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix, marking Hamilton's first race for Ferrari, instead of the Bahrain GP as has been customary since 2021.
During pre-season testing in Sakhir, Hamilton will complete his first official timed laps following his winter transfer from Mercedes, where he spent 11 years and clinched six of his seven world championships.
In a statement, the FIA confirmed Pre-season testing will happen two weeks before the first race of the season
"FIA and Formula 1 have confirmed that Bahrain International Circuit will host three days of pre-season testing on 26, 27 and 28 February 2025 ahead of the FIA Formula One World Championship season, which will begin in Melbourne from 14-16 March. The 2025 Formula 1 season, the 75th anniversary year for the sport, will kick off in Australia, followed by China and Japan, and as part of the continued drive in sustainability with the sport on track to become Net Zero by 2030, a significant percentage of freight will remain at the Bahrain International Circuit for when F1 returns for the Bahrain Grand Prix for round four on 11-13 April," the statement read.
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