Restrained by his contractual commitments with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton will not participate in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi for his new team.
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari is one of the biggest upsets in recent Formula 1 history. However, fans will have to wait before seeing the seven-time world champion behind the wheel of the famous red car.
Restrained by his contractual commitments with Mercedes, Hamilton will not participate in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi for his new team.
No tests for Hamilton in Abu Dhabi
Post-season testing in Abu Dhabi provides drivers with a valuable opportunity to get used to their new team. In 2024, Esteban Ocon will drive the Haas for the first time, and Carlos Sainz will discover his future Williams. However, Lewis Hamilton, whose move to Ferrari is highly anticipated, will miss this unique chance.
Under contract with Mercedes until December 31, Hamilton is still bound by various obligations, notably towards the sponsors of the German team. This deadline, imposed by Mercedes, prevents any participation in the end-of-year tests with Ferrari, a situation accepted by the British driver.
Hamilton: 'It's not what I wanted to do'
Speaking from Qatar, Lewis Hamilton shared his thoughts on this particular situation: “Am I missing something? I sure am. It certainly delays the process and makes the start of the year more difficult, but we will do our best to make up for that lost time.”
The British driver also revealed that he had discussed this situation with Frédéric Vasseur, the director of Ferrari:
“I told Fred that’s not what I wanted to do. Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi doesn’t excite me.”
A goodbye to Mercedes before the big departure
Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, has confirmed that Hamilton must stick to its commitments until the end.
“They had already planned that I had to go see some of the sponsors and say goodbye, Hamilton said. So I don't think it would have ever been allowed, even if I had asked to do it. It's because I'm under contract with the team until December 31, and that's completely normal.”
The real first contact between Hamilton and the Ferrari will therefore take place next year, potentially on the legendary Fiorano track. For fans and champions alike, the wait will only add to the excitement of this new chapter.
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