After an impressive 12-season stint with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari has sparked a flurry of speculation and excitement among Formula 1 fans. However, Hamilton’s highly anticipated first experience with the Scuderia will not take place during this season’s post-Abu Dhabi tyre test, as originally hoped.
Hamilton’s Ferrari debut will be part of F1’s ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ regulation
Despite the delay, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Hamilton will get the chance to drive for Ferrari before the 2025 season begins, thanks to a provision in Formula 1’s regulations. Under the "testing of previous cars" (TPC) rule, drivers are allowed to test older cars outside of the official pre-season sessions, allowing Hamilton to familiarise himself with Ferrari's machinery before the new season starts.
Vasseur expressed confidence that Hamilton’s wealth of experience will allow him to adapt quickly, even with limited track time. Hamilton will reportedly get the chance to drive Ferrari’s 2022 F1-75, which Vasseur believes will be more than sufficient to prepare the British driver for his future role with the team.
Mercedes confirms Hamilton's commitment through 2024
While Ferrari had expressed interest in introducing Hamilton to their team sooner, Mercedes has confirmed that the seven-time world champion will remain focused on promotional commitments until the end of 2024. This includes a scheduled engagement with Mercedes’ title sponsor, Petronas, on the day of the post-season test.
As a result, Hamilton’s first opportunity to drive for Ferrari will not occur in December, pushing the date for his debut with the team to early 2025. This delay comes as Hamilton continues to fulfil his contractual obligations with Mercedes, which means fans will have to wait a little longer to see him behind the wheel of a Ferrari.
Vasseur’s confidence in Hamilton’s quick adaptation
“I’m not sure that he needs tons of hours of acclimatisation,” Vasseur told Motorsport.com. “He is experienced enough to be quick on the first day, or at least very soon. We’ll have one or two TPC days, plus the test in Bahrain, and that will be enough.”
This indicates that Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari will be smoother than expected, with Vasseur believing that the limited practice time will be enough to get the 38-year-old up to speed.
Fans can expect Hamilton to make his official Ferrari debut in early 2025, with a likely pre-season test in Bahrain marking the start of his new chapter in Formula 1.
