Scuderia Ferrari is gearing up to welcome Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Although the British driver won’t be hitting the track in red right away in Abu Dhabi, his debut with Ferrari is on the horizon.
After twelve seasons with Mercedes, Hamilton will step into the world of Maranello, and Ferrari is eager to give him a proper welcome. So, what can we expect for Hamilton’s first drive in a Ferrari?
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Mercedes AMG keeps Hamilton until the end of the year
The Ferrari’s initial plan was to have Hamilton drive in the post-season tire test after the last race in Abu Dhabi on November 26, 2024. Unfortunately, Mercedes retained the seven-time champion for promotional commitments, specifically with sponsor Petronas, on the same day as the test. As a result, Ferrari will have to wait until early next year to see Hamilton in action. This delay means they’ll need to find the right moment for the seven-time world champion to get acquainted with his new team without rushing, though this doesn’t seem to worry the leaders in Maranello, Ferrari’s headquarters.
According to Sky Sports Italy, Lewis Hamilton's first day at Ferrari has already been set, the date is still an absolute secret.
Lewis' base in Maranello will be the home of Enzo Ferrari. Until now, only one driver had had this privilege: Michael Schumacher. pic.twitter.com/DYAQ9ZIjp1
— Ferrari Focus (@Scuderiascoop) November 12, 2024
First drive in an F1 Ferrari
Ferrari won’t be allowed to put Hamilton in the 2025 car until pre-season testing in Bahrain, so the Scuderia plans to use one of the 2022-season cars instead, the F1-75. Thanks to the F1 Previous Car Testing (TPC) rules, Ferrari can bring out a car designed up to the 2022 season. The private Fiorano circuit, located right next to Ferrari’s Maranello factory, is expected to host Hamilton’s first laps in the red suit. This will give the team a chance to assess his adaptation to the car and let Hamilton familiarize himself with the feel of a Ferrari. Ferrari’s Sporting Director Fred Vasseur believes a few hours will be enough for the driver to get comfortable, especially given Hamilton’s vast F1 experience.
Behind-the-scenes preparation for a smooth transition
At Ferrari, preparations for Hamilton’s arrival go beyond track testing. Even now, part of the team is focused on the 2025 season, organizing the test plans, technical adjustments, and communication aspects to ensure a smooth transition. Vasseur stated that the race team remains focused on the current season, but the British driver will soon be immersed in Ferrari’s culture, aiming to be ready from the start of next season. The goal? To make Hamilton feel at home in the Maranello paddock from day one. In fact, it seems he will even have access to Enzo Ferrari’s famous house, a privilege last granted to the legendary Michael Schumacher.
This article explores Ferrari’s meticulous preparation for Lewis Hamilton’s transition into the Scuderia in 2025. While Abu Dhabi testing was ruled out, Ferrari has arranged for Hamilton to experience a previous Ferrari car, the F1-75, at Fiorano, helping him get comfortable before the season opener.
