Lewis Hamilton is simply weeks away from his extremely anticipated debut as a Ferrari driver, formally parting methods with Mercedes on 1 January.
The 2025 Formulation 1 season launch is scheduled for 18 February at London’s O2 Area, marking a possible first public look of Hamilton in Ferrari colours. Following that occasion, Ferrari is anticipated to unveil their new automotive on 19 February, an event that will embrace Lewis Hamilton’s inaugural press convention as a member of the Scuderia, relying on the format of the occasion.
Pre-season preparations will culminate in Bahrain on the finish of February, the place groups and drivers will convene for testing. Nevertheless, Lewis Hamilton’s first expertise behind the wheel of Ferrari equipment will come effectively earlier than that.
Ferrari has tentatively scheduled the British driver’s preliminary run for 21 or 22 January. The venue stays undecided, with Fiorano, Imola, and Mugello into consideration. The ultimate determination will rely upon climate situations, which may additionally necessitate a change in plans. Hamilton is anticipated to drive the 2023 Ferrari, as rules permit for such testing exterior of official classes.
Ferrari to Keep away from Public Spectacle for Lewis Hamilton’s First Run, Says Fred Vasseur
Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari stands as probably the most important driver transfers in Formulation 1 historical past. Whereas the Scuderia’s main goal is to finish their championship drought stretching again to 2008, they’re undoubtedly conscious of the British driver’s immense industrial attraction. As one of many world’s most acknowledged and marketable athletes, Lewis Hamilton carries the status of a seven-time world champion, equaling Michael Schumacher’s report in 2020.
When Michael Schumacher joined the Maranello crew practically three a long time in the past, his first check was a grand occasion, with followers and media invited to witness the historic second. Nevertheless, Ferrari crew principal Frederic Vasseur has made it clear that no such spectacle will accompany Lewis Hamilton’s preliminary run. Talking at an end-of-season occasion, Frederic Vasseur defined that the main target will stay squarely on Hamilton adapting to the crew and its equipment.
The Frenchman, who took over management at Ferrari in early 2023, has applied a extra streamlined and pragmatic strategy. He believes that avoiding distractions will give the 39-year-old driver the very best likelihood to acclimate to his new setting, underscoring the crew’s dedication to optimizing efficiency over spectacle.
The Race’s Edd Straw reported that Fred Vasseur was questioned about the potential of staging a high-profile occasion for Hamilton’s first check with Ferrari, harking back to Michael Schumacher’s debut with the crew in late 1995. Schumacher’s preliminary run at Ferrari’s Fiorano check observe on 16 November 1995 had attracted important media consideration and 1000’s of followers gathered at each vantage level to catch a glimpse.
Nevertheless, Edd Straw famous that the French supervisor dismissed the thought, explaining that he most popular to keep away from such spectacle. As a substitute, the Ferrari crew principal emphasised a concentrate on efficiency and growth over making a public present.
How Lewis Hamilton is Elevating the Bar Past Michael Schumacher in His Ferrari Preparation
Ferrari crew principal Fred Vasseur has dedicated to sustaining the crew’s current coverage of permitting its drivers to compete freely on observe. This implies Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will race on equal phrases in 2025, mirroring the strategy seen throughout Carlos Sainz‘s tenure. Followers witnessed the effectiveness of this philosophy throughout the thrilling wheel-to-wheel duel between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in Qatar, a race Leclerc in the end received.
For Lewis Hamilton, outperforming his new Maranello teammate would function a definitive assertion that he stays among the many prime two drivers on the grid. Nevertheless, Charles Leclerc holds a definite benefit, having spent six seasons with Ferrari and a previous three years as a part of the crew’s driver academy. His deep familiarity with the crew’s tradition and operations supplies a big head begin.
To bridge that hole and absolutely combine into the crew, The seven-time Formulation 1 world champion is reportedly planning a daring transfer: relocating to Italy. At present based mostly in Monaco, the seven-time world champion is claimed to be exploring properties in Milan as a part of his efforts to immerse himself in Ferrari’s world.
This marks a big departure from the strategy taken by Michael Schumacher throughout his legendary Ferrari stint, which introduced 5 consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004. Not like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher opted to reside in Switzerland, counting on quick flights to keep up proximity to Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. The British driver’s determination to relocate suggests a deeper dedication to embracing the Italian way of life and tradition as he prepares for this pivotal chapter of his motorsport profession.
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