Lewis Hamilton has been a Ferrari driver since January 1, 2025. The Italians are planning an extensive testing program with the seven-time world champion, starting at his home track of Fiorano.
Of course, many Tifosi were hoping that the first test of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari would take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi – as part of the post-season test on December 10. But this plan was quickly canceled.
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur in Las Vegas: “I didn’t ask Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff if we could have him for the post-season test – because it was clear to me that he had to fulfill his contract at the end of 2024. .”
The Frenchman continued: “For Carlos Sainz the starting point was different. In this way I wanted to thank him for his commitment and not put any obstacles in his way. He was a professional for us, so I would consider it unfair to deny him the Abu Dhabi test with Williams. It would be naive to believe that every team thinks so and that all drivers are allowed to change freely.
Toto Wolff said: “It’s true, Fred didn’t ask me, and he didn’t have to. We have contractual obligations to our partners. We also want to say a proper goodbye to Lewis after all these successful years together. There are many events planned.”
Then the Austrian revealed: “I spoke to Lewis briefly about this possibility, but I quickly made it clear to him – it won’t work.”
It is now clear how Ferrari wants to continue with Lewis Hamilton: weather permitting, the Englishman will drive in a Formula 1 Ferrari for the first time on January 20 or 21, at the Fiorano track. Ferrari also wants to test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
For eight-time GP winner Charles Leclerc, it will be a matter of getting used to working with the 2025 car for Lewis Hamilton, the aim is also to get used to his new team.
According to the rules, Ferrari must go to the track for these tests with a car that is at least two years old – that is, the SF-23 model from 2023. It is also possible to use the 2022 Ferrari SF-75.
Formula 1 2025 winter testing
02/26 to February 28 in Bahrain
Formula 1 World Championship 2025
16.03. Australian Physician, Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
23.03. China-GP, Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai *
06.04. Japan-GP, Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka
13.04. Bahrain-GP, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
20.04. Saudi-Arabian-GP, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Dschidda
04.05. Miami-GP, Miami International Autodrome, Miami *
18.05. Emilia Romagna-GP, Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola
25.05. Monaco-GP, Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
01.06. Spanien-GP, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló
15.06. Canada-GP, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
June 29 Austrian GP, Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
06.07. British GP, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone
27.07. Belgien-GP, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Business *
03.08. Hungarian GP, Hungary, Budapest
31.08. Dutch GP, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort
07.09. Italian-GP, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza
21.09. Azerbaijan-GP, Baku City Circuit, Baku
05.10. Singapore-GP, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
19.10. Austin-GP, Circuit of the Americas, Austin *
26.10. Mexico-GP, Hermann Rodriguez Autodrome, Mexico-Stadt
09.11. Brasilien-GP, Autodromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos *
22.11. Las Vegas-GP, Las Vegas Street Circuit, Las Vegas
30.11. Qatar-GP, Losail International Circuit, Doha *
07.12. Abu Dhabi-GP, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
* GP weekend in racing format
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