Ferrari supporters have been eagerly awaiting the second when Lewis Hamilton will lastly take to the monitor in one in every of their Formulation 1 automobiles, a second that’s now on the horizon after practically a 12 months of anticipation.
At first of February 2024, Hamilton made the groundbreaking announcement that he can be leaving Mercedes, his long-time group, to affix Ferrari for the ultimate chapter of his F1 profession. With the 2025 season quick approaching, Ferrari enters the brand new marketing campaign with formidable objectives, hoping to surpass McLaren within the Constructors’ Championship and capitalize on the addition of their new driver pairing.
Charles Leclerc has already established himself as probably the most constant and dependable drivers on the grid, however the arrival of Hamilton is predicted to push him to raise his efficiency even additional, making the partnership between the 2 Ferrari drivers probably the most anticipated in latest F1 historical past.
Though Ferrari has been tight-lipped concerning the actual timing of Hamilton’s first on-track check, it’s extensively speculated that the group could have him behind the wheel of one in every of their older automobiles sooner relatively than later, particularly on condition that groups like Mercedes and Haas have already begun their pre-season runs.
For Hamilton, the transition to Ferrari might be in contrast to any change he has skilled since shifting from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. Even then, the swap was considerably acquainted, as Mercedes had beforehand been McLaren’s engine provider. This time, nonetheless, the transfer to Ferrari might be a totally new problem, one that can require a steep studying curve.
A latest report from the Italian information media outlet Autoracer has revealed extra about Hamilton’s early steps in adapting to Ferrari, with particulars rising about his simulator periods forward of his first check. Though the Tifosi are wanting to see Hamilton in Ferrari’s iconic pink automobiles, group principal Frederic Vasseur has opted for a extra behind-the-scenes method, with Hamilton beginning his adaptation within the simulator earlier than heading to the monitor.
Hamilton, who’s allowed limitless working within the simulator, will spend a major period of time refining his expertise and getting acclimatized to Ferrari’s automotive and group dynamics. Whereas on-track testing might be crucial for his preparation, most of his work for the 2025 season will happen in Maranello, the place he’ll spend time behind closed doorways getting conversant in the group’s processes and methods.
The report suggests that there’s already palpable “optimism and enthusiasm” at Ferrari about Hamilton’s upcoming work at their Maranello manufacturing facility. Hamilton is predicted to satisfy together with his engineers within the coming days and start his simulator periods quickly after. Whereas Ferrari plans to formally unveil Hamilton and their new SF-25 automotive on February 19, the day following F1’s launch occasion in London, Hamilton could have already made appreciable progress in his preparations by then. His first session within the Ferrari simulator is scheduled for January 20, marking the official begin of his journey with the Scuderia.
Ferrari’s Fiorano check monitor is absolutely booked from January 21 to January 23, with the group contemplating January 22 to be the “more than likely” date for Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formulation 1 automotive. Nevertheless, the schedule stays topic to alter, as unfavorable climate situations might push the check to a unique date. Since Hamilton is simply permitted 1,000 kilometers of personal working this 12 months, each he and the group are decided to not waste any helpful time, particularly if rain is predicted.
Hamilton’s first expertise in a Ferrari automotive won’t contain the group’s newest 2025 challenger, as Ferrari – together with all different F1 groups – isn’t allowed to start testing their 2025 automobiles till the official pre-season testing in Bahrain. Groups are permitted two filming days the place they’ll run a present spec automotive for a most of 200 kilometers per day, however it doesn’t appear that Ferrari will use these filming days previous to their Bahrain check. Due to this fact, Hamilton’s preliminary run will happen in one in every of Ferrari’s older automobiles from the 2022 Formulation 1 season.
For his first check session, Ferrari will put Hamilton within the F1-75, the automotive from the 2022 season. The main focus won’t be on outright pace across the Fiorano circuit however relatively on Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s particular automotive setup, which incorporates familiarizing himself with the group’s steering wheel, controls, and the delicate variations between Ferrari and his former Mercedes equipment.
Hamilton will work intently with race engineer Riccardo Adami for this check session, as Peter Bonnington, his long-time race engineer from Mercedes, won’t be becoming a member of him at Ferrari. As an alternative, Peter Bonnington will proceed his partnership with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This marks a major shift for Hamilton, as he adapts to new group dynamics, with all of the monitor time he can get being essential within the lead-up to the Australian Grand Prix.
The time spent along with Riccardo Adami might be invaluable, as Ferrari’s group might want to work effectively to make sure Hamilton is absolutely ready for the 2025 season. This partnership is especially vital, as former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel had a lot to say about Riccardo Adami’s affect and function throughout their time working collectively.
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