Lewis Hamilton is poised to make his first appearance for Ferrari in its 2022 Formula 1 car at the beginning of next year. The anticipated outing comes after plans for a post-season test in Abu Dhabi were ruled out. The seven-time world champion is set to join the Maranello-based team in 2025, following a decision to part ways with Mercedes after an illustrious 12-year tenure with the team.
Missing Abu Dhabi Test
There was initial hope within Ferrari’s ranks to fast-track their collaboration with Hamilton by having him participate in the post-season tyre test in Abu Dhabi. This idea hinged on whether Mercedes would release Hamilton for the session scheduled after the final F1 race of the season.
However, Autosport reports that such a scenario is off the table, as Hamilton is committed to end-of-year promotional activities for Mercedes. These include obligations for the team’s title sponsor, Petronas, which coincide with the Abu Dhabi test date.
First Ferrari Drive Scheduled
With the Abu Dhabi test no longer an option, Ferrari will have to wait until the start of the next calendar year to see Hamilton in one of their vehicles. The team is planning to utilize Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) days to give Hamilton his first run. This opportunity is expected to happen well before the pre-season Bahrain test.
Ferrari’s Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, highlighted, “I’m not sure that he needs tons of hours of acclimatisation. 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.”
Testing Regulations
Formula 1’s TPC regulations permit teams to run cars from the previous three championship years. This means that Ferrari can put Hamilton behind the wheel of their 2022 machine, the F1-75, on their iconic Fiorano test track adjacent to their main factory in Maranello.
Preparing for the Future
Efforts are already underway at Ferrari to integrate Hamilton into their operations ahead of the 2025 season. Vasseur acknowledged that preparations are advancing, though not involving the current race team, remarking, “For sure we have part of the team already focusing on 2025, on the test plan, on the communication and so, with Lewis being part of this, but not on the race team and it’s not on my mind.”
This development signifies a strategic blend of familiarisation and anticipation as Hamilton prepares to begin a new chapter with Ferrari, aiming to continue his hunt for an eighth World Championship title.
