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Journalist
Hungry for sport, he grew up to the sound of Formula 1 engines and the exploits of Ronaldinho. Today, with a Master's degree in sports journalism, he no longer misses an F1 Grand Prix or a PSG match, his two passions and specialties.
Lewis Hamilton has only two races left at Mercedes before donning the red tunic of Ferrari. However, this is not yet the case. While several drivers will discover their new team in Abu Dhabi during the end-of-season tests, this will not be the case for the seven-time world champion, held back by contractual obligations by Mercedes.
Traditionally, the last meeting of the season at Abu Dhabi is an opportunity for the teams to test their new single-seaters, but also for the drivers to discover their new engineers and their new working environment. So, Esteban Ocon will be behind the wheel of his new Haas while Carlos Sainz will discover his Williams. But the most anticipated was obviously Lewis Hamilton whose first steps as a driver Ferrari are eagerly awaited. However, you will still have to be patient. Under contract with Mercedes until December 31, the seven-time world champion was not released by the team led by Toto Wolff because he still has to honor certain obligations, particularly with sponsors. But maybe that's not a bad thing if you believe it. Lewis Hamilton.
“Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi doesn't excite me”
« Am I missing something? That's for sure. This certainly delays the process and makes the start of the year more difficult, but we will do our best to make up for this lost time. Look, I know Fred (Vasseur) wanted this to happen. For me, I was divided. Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi doesn't excite me », Launches the British pilot in comments reported by Nextgen-auto.combefore continuing.
“I told Fred that’s not what I wanted to do.”
« In a perfect world, I could drive it sight unseen for the first test drive next year. But there will certainly be plenty of fans in Fiorano. When I talked about it obviously with Toto, they had already planned that I had to go see some of the sponsors and say goodbye. So I don't think it would have ever been allowed, even if I had asked to do it. This is because I am under contract with the team until December 31, and that is completely normal. But I don't mind, again, not taking the test. That's not what I wanted to do. I told Fred that's not what I wanted to do », added Lewis Hamilton.
