Hamilton’s testing schedule with Ferrari finalized

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The details of Lewis Hamilton’s testing schedule with Ferrari for the coming weeks have been finalized as the seven-time World Champion gears up for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The British driver, who has joined the Scuderia after a celebrated career with Mercedes, initiated his preparations with the Italian outfit earlier this week at Fiorano, Ferrari’s test track.

Hamilton was in action on Wednesday onboard Ferrari’s 2023 SF-23, running under the sport’s new Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.

The 40-year-old completed 30 laps overall, or approximately 90 kilometers of the 1,000 kilometers allocated to each team in the calendar year under the new TPC rules for the 2025 season.

Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc also participated in the Fiorano session but completed just 14 laps, equating to approximately 42 kilometers.

Upcoming Test in Barcelona

Ferrari has confirmed that Hamilton and Leclerc will share duties during a behind-closed-doors test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, scheduled from January 28 to 30.

Read also: Brundle hints at Ferrari 'game-changer' for Hamilton title bid

While the exact car to be used has not been specified, it is expected to be either the 2023 SF-23 or the 2022 F1-75, both of which comply with TPC regulations.

This test will provide Hamilton with an opportunity to further familiarize himself with Ferrari's unique setup and handling characteristics, as well as with the team’s operations after spending more than a decade with Mercedes.

February Test and First Look at the SF-24

Following the Barcelona session, Hamilton will participate in a third test on February 4-5, also at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

However, this test, conducted with the Scuderia’s most recent car, the race winning SF-24, will take place under the auspices of Pirelli, as part of the supplier’s 2026 tyre development programme.

Ferrari is scheduled to share the track with rivals McLaren on this occasion.

For Hamilton, the outing will provide more valuable insights into the team's most recent car, enabling him to benchmark its performance against the competition ahead of the new season.

This outing will mark the first time Hamilton gets behind the wheel of Ferrari’s 2024 car, the SF-24, which narrowly missed out on clinching the Constructors’ Championship last season.

A Crucial Transition for Hamilton

As Hamilton begins his new chapter with Ferrari, his extensive testing schedule underscores the team’s commitment to ensuring his transition is as seamless as possible.

Ferrari fans around the world will eagerly await Hamilton’s performances during these pre-season preparations, as the partnership between the legendary driver and the Scuderia aims to deliver a championship-worthy campaign in 2025.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.