Ferrari supporters have been eagerly awaiting the second when Lewis Hamilton will lastly take to the observe in one in every of their Components 1 automobiles, a second that’s now on the horizon after almost a yr of anticipation.
At the beginning of February 2024, Hamilton made the groundbreaking announcement that he can be leaving Mercedes, his long-time crew, 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 bold targets, 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 one of the crucial constant and dependable drivers on the grid, however the arrival of Hamilton is anticipated to push him to raise his efficiency even additional, making the partnership between the 2 Ferrari drivers one of the crucial anticipated in current F1 historical past.
Though Ferrari has been tight-lipped concerning the actual timing of Hamilton’s first on-track check, it’s broadly speculated that the crew can have him behind the wheel of one in every of their older automobiles sooner somewhat than later, particularly provided that groups like Mercedes and Haas have already begun their pre-season runs.
For Hamilton, the transition to Ferrari will likely be not like any change he has skilled since transferring from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. Even then, the change was considerably acquainted, as Mercedes had beforehand been McLaren’s engine provider. This time, nevertheless, the transfer to Ferrari will likely be a very new problem, one that can require a steep studying curve.
A current 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 desperate to see Hamilton in Ferrari’s iconic pink automobiles, crew 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 observe.
Hamilton, who’s allowed limitless operating within the simulator, will spend a major period of time refining his abilities and getting acclimatized to Ferrari’s automotive and crew dynamics. Whereas on-track testing will likely be vital 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 accustomed to the crew’s processes and programs.
The report suggests that there’s already palpable “optimism and enthusiasm” at Ferrari about Hamilton’s upcoming work at their Maranello manufacturing unit. Hamilton is anticipated to fulfill 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 can 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 observe is totally booked from January 21 to January 23, with the crew contemplating January 22 to be the “more than likely” date for Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari Components 1 automotive. Nevertheless, the schedule stays topic to alter, as unfavorable climate circumstances might push the check to a special date. Since Hamilton is barely permitted 1,000 kilometers of personal operating this yr, each he and the crew are decided to not waste any invaluable time, particularly if rain is anticipated.
Hamilton’s first expertise in a Ferrari automotive won’t contain the crew’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. Subsequently, Hamilton’s preliminary run will happen in one in every of Ferrari’s older automobiles from the 2022 Components 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 somewhat on Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s particular automotive setup, which incorporates familiarizing himself with the crew’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 crew dynamics, with all of the observe time he can get being essential within the lead-up to the Australian Grand Prix.
The time spent along with Riccardo Adami will likely be invaluable, as Ferrari’s crew might want to work effectively to make sure Hamilton is totally 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 position throughout their time working collectively.
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