Formula 1
Details of Hamilton's first F1 tests with Ferrari emerge
The Scuderia’s new driver is set for substantial running ahead of the official Bahrain test
Ben Vinel Roberto Chinchero
Published: Jan 6, 2025, 9:02 AM
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Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team
Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / Motorsport Images
Lewis Hamilton is set to make his Ferrari on-track debut in just two weeks’ time, Motorsport.com understands – as the Scuderia makes the most of new, more restrictive FIA regulations surrounding private testing with older machinery.
Up to last season, there was no limit on how much running was allowed with two- to four-year-old cars, even for regular race drivers; the rules were tweaked for 2025 after Max Verstappen tested Red Bull’s 2022 challenger at Imola back in June last year, as his team strained to cure its RB20’s issues with kerb-riding.
Formula 1’s sporting regulations issued by the FIA last December read: “Each Competitor may complete a maximum of one thousand (1000) kilometres of TPC [Testing of Previous Cars] in each calendar year using drivers entered in the Championship, or which they intend to enter in the Championship, such distance being accumulated over a maximum of four (4) of the days allowed under Article 10.2f.”
As a consequence, Ferrari will use up its four days and 1000km of testing this month to help Hamilton acclimatise to his new team ahead of the 2025 campaign, with a maiden run on the Italian team’s home Fiorano track set to take place on 20 or 21 January depending on the weather.
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The Scuderia will then move on to Barcelona later this month, with the Catalan circuit booked for at least four days. This will give the squad some wiggle room in case rain throws a spanner in the works, as it will be able to run on the most favourable three days – bringing the total up to the allowed four days of testing.
Another decision yet to be made is whether Hamilton will drive Ferrari’s SF-23 or its predecessor from 2022, the F1-75.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-23, in Fiorano
Photo by: Davide Cavazza
Team principal Frederic Vasseur previously stated that he was “not worried at all” about Hamilton’s adaptation to the Maranello-based outfit, pointing out that the record holder for world titles, grand prix wins, pole positions and podiums is no rookie.
“We know that we have a lot of procedures to assimilate during this couple of days, but he is experienced enough to do it,” the Frenchman added.
“We have the advantage to have the simulator and he will be able to do a race simulation and a qualifying simulation in the simulator, and to be fully prepared with the steering wheel and all the particularities of the car. But I am not worried about this, and it is not the biggest challenge.”
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Meanwhile, Hamilton made his state of mind clear in a LinkedIn post last week.
"Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there's a lot to reflect on,” the seven-time world champion wrote. “To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you're switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful.”
Ferrari will reveal its new F1 car on 19 February – one day after the official F1 launch in London, and one week before official pre-season testing gets under way in Bahrain on 26 February.
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