Lewis Hamilton’s anticipated debut for Ferrari in Formula 1 will take place in the team’s 2022 car early next year. This milestone comes as Hamilton transitions from Mercedes, where he has enjoyed 12 outstanding seasons, to the legendary Maranello squad in 2025.
Ferrari initially hoped to get a head start by having Hamilton participate in the post-season tyre test in Abu Dhabi. However, this plan has been shelved due to Hamilton’s existing commitments with Mercedes. On the day of the Abu Dhabi test, Hamilton will be involved in promotional activities for Mercedes’ title sponsor, Petronas.
As a result, Ferrari will have to wait until the new year to get Hamilton behind the wheel of one of its cars. Although running the 2025 challenger is restricted outside the pre-season test in Bahrain, Ferrari plans to utilise its ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ (TPC) days to help Hamilton acclimatise.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to adapt swiftly. “I’m not sure that he needs tons of hours of acclimatisation,” said Vasseur.
“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.”
The TPC rules allow teams to run cars designed to comply with the technical regulations of the three years preceding the current championship year. For Ferrari, this means the 2022 F1-75 car, the first generation built under the new ground effect regulations, will be used at its Fiorano test track near the Maranello factory.
Efforts are underway at Ferrari’s factory to finalise a comprehensive programme to integrate Hamilton into the team’s operations before the 2025 season begins. Vasseur noted that while preparations are in progress, he is not directly involved at this stage.
“For sure we have part of the team already focusing on ’25, on the test plan, on the communication and so, with Lewis being part of this. But not on the race team, and it’s not on my mind,” he said.
