The week of January 21, 2025 is an important preparation stage for Scuderia Ferrari. After his arrival at the Fiorano circuit, Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 world champion, will begin his first week of testing with Ferrarialongside Charles Leclerc, his teammate for the 2025 season.
The first tests took place on the Fiorano circuit, and Hamilton will be able to test two former Ferrari single-seaters: the SF-23, used in the 2023 season, and the F1-75, a 2022 car. These cars from previous years allow drivers to acclimatize their driving with past models before jumping into the new cars. Alternatingly, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be installed at the wheel of these single-seaters.
The challenges of this week's tests
These tests are not an opportunity to check the performance of the cars, but rather to adapt to Ferrari procedures, which are very different from those Hamilton experienced at Mercedes. In particular, he spent a long time with Riccardo Adami, his new race engineer, former collaborator of Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. Hamilton also had the opportunity to spend time in a simulator to master the complex controls of the Ferrari steering wheels and familiarize himself with the technical specificities of the team.
After these first tests in Maranello, a second round is planned next week in Barcelona, where the weather conditions must be favorable to continue the program. The two drivers will then have the opportunity to perfect their preparation before the first tests of the 2025 season in Bahrain.
Hamilton's welcome to Maranello
Hamilton's first day in Maranello attracted an impressive crowd of fans, even in the rain and cold temperatures. The enthusiasm was palpable, and fans had the opportunity to see their new Ferrari driver pose alongside the legendary F40. Inside the factory, Hamilton met with engineers and team members to iron out the final details, including the placement of his seat. It was a symbolic moment for the driver, who took the time to familiarize himself with the atmosphere of his new environment, before taking the wheel of the Ferrari SF-23 and F1-75.
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