Recent rumors suggesting that the seven-time world champion might soon be testing his future Ferrari ride during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tire test have been unequivocally debunked. Reliable motorsport sources such as Motorsport and The Race have provided clarity, denying any such occurrence due to Hamilton's ongoing commitments with Mercedes.
Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari is set for 2025, marking the end to his long affiliation with Mercedes, a partnership that has been both dominant and fruitful. Hamilton's tenure at Mercedes has been storied; he joined the team in 2013 and secured six out of his seven world titles with them.
Despite committing to a contract with Mercedes through 2025, Hamilton elected to activate an escape clause, thereby paving the path to Ferrari. This transition is more than just a shift in teams; it symbolizes a pursuit of a "childhood dream," a fact Hamilton has often alluded to when recalling his admiration for Ferrari's history and its legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher.
The rumors of Hamilton taking an early test in a Ferrari also extended to the speculations about him potentially residing in the Fiorano residence of Enzo Ferrari, a privilege reserved solely for Michael Schumacher until now. However, this too has been sprung as baseless by authoritative sources.
For now, Hamilton's first drive in a Ferrari is most accurately slated for January at Ferrari's Fiorano track, where he will sit behind the wheel of the F1-75 from the 2022 season. This gives the Brit a head start before the pre-season testing in Bahrain in late February, enabling a smoother adaptation to his new machinery.
Ferrari, keen on facilitating a seamless transition for their new marquee driver, plans to leverage Hamilton's extensive experience to ensure a quick acclimatization to the team's ethos and machinery. As team principal Fred Vasseur confidently states in a conversation with Motorsport:
"He is experienced enough to be quick on the first day, or at least very soon. We'll have one or two TPC days, plus the test in Bahrain, and that will be enough."
Clearly, Vasseur is optimistic about the minimal adjustment period Hamilton will require.
As Hamilton prepares for this new chapter with Ferrari, his partnership with Charles Leclerc is eagerly anticipated. With Carlos Sainz's contract expiring at the end of the 2024 season and his subsequent move to Williams, the dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc will be an interesting one. Meanwhile, at Mercedes, the search for a fitting teammate for George Russell has been fruitful, with Kimi Antonelli given the reigns to the W16 next year.
Notwithstanding his forthcoming move, Hamilton remains committed to delivering high-performance results for Mercedes in the 2024 season. His professionalism ensures continued contributions to the team's development initiatives for 2025, ensuring that Mercedes doesn't lose momentum.
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