Lewis Hamilton is preparing to take his first laps in the colors of Ferrari. The seven-time world champion, who launched a great game of musical chairs by announcing his departure from Mercedes last February. The latter is aiming for an eighth title and hopes to end Ferrari's 16-year drought in the championship.
After a disappointing 2024 season (beaten in the Championship by his Mercedes teammate, George Russell), still marked by two victories at Silverstone and Spa, Lewis Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc.
In order to prepare the Briton for official testing and the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia, Ferrari has scheduled a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) test session on its Fiorano circuit. According to RacingNews365, Lewis Hamilton is expected to take the wheel of a 2022 SF-75 as early as January 22, subject to weather conditions. Leclerc will also take part in these tests.
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Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna confirmed Hamilton's move to Maranello during a conference in Milan. Before his first laps, the Briton will go through the simulator. Ferrari and Hamilton will then travel to Barcelona for another week of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya.
-“There is a lot of enthusiasm and a great desire to start”, Vigna said. “Lewis will be at Ferrari next week. We are making final preparations.”
As the TPC tests are limited to 1,000 km per year, spread over a maximum of four days, each run will be crucial for Lewis Hamilton's adaptation to his new team.
Read also: Horner: The Hamilton-Leclerc duo at Ferrari could benefit Red Bull
