Ferrari supporters have been eagerly awaiting the second when Lewis Hamilton will lastly take to the observe in considered one of their Components 1 vehicles, a second that’s now on the horizon after practically a 12 months of anticipation.
Initially of February 2024, Hamilton made the groundbreaking announcement that he can be leaving Mercedes, his long-time group, to hitch Ferrari for the ultimate chapter of his F1 profession. With the 2025 season quick approaching, Ferrari enters the brand new marketing campaign with formidable targets, hoping to surpass McLaren within the Constructors’ Championship and capitalize on the addition of their new driver pairing.
Charles Leclerc has already established himself as one of the vital constant and dependable drivers on the grid, however the arrival of Hamilton is predicted to push him to raise his efficiency even additional, making the partnership between the 2 Ferrari drivers one of the vital anticipated in current F1 historical past.
Though Ferrari has been tight-lipped concerning the actual timing of Hamilton’s first on-track check, it’s broadly speculated that the group could have him behind the wheel of considered one of their older vehicles sooner fairly than later, particularly on condition that groups like Mercedes and Haas have already begun their pre-season runs.
For Hamilton, the transition to Ferrari shall be in contrast to any change he has skilled since shifting from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. Even then, the change was considerably acquainted, as Mercedes had beforehand been McLaren’s engine provider. This time, nonetheless, the transfer to Ferrari shall be a very new problem, one that may require a steep studying curve.
A current report from the Italian information media outlet Autoracer has revealed extra about Hamilton’s early steps in adapting to Ferrari, with particulars rising about his simulator periods forward of his first check. Though the Tifosi are desperate to see Hamilton in Ferrari’s iconic crimson vehicles, group principal Frederic Vasseur has opted for a extra behind-the-scenes strategy, with Hamilton beginning his adaptation within the simulator earlier than heading to the observe.
Hamilton, who’s allowed limitless working within the simulator, will spend a major period of time refining his expertise and getting acclimatized to Ferrari’s automobile and group dynamics. Whereas on-track testing shall be crucial for his preparation, most of his work for the 2025 season will happen in Maranello, the place he’ll spend time behind closed doorways getting aware of the group’s processes and programs.
The report suggests that there’s already palpable “optimism and enthusiasm” at Ferrari about Hamilton’s upcoming work at their Maranello manufacturing facility. Hamilton is predicted to satisfy along with his engineers within the coming days and start his simulator periods quickly after. Whereas Ferrari plans to formally unveil Hamilton and their new SF-25 automobile on February 19, the day following F1’s launch occasion in London, Hamilton could have already made appreciable progress in his preparations by then. His first session within the Ferrari simulator is scheduled for January 20, marking the official begin of his journey with the Scuderia.
Ferrari’s Fiorano check observe is totally booked from January 21 to January 23, with the group contemplating January 22 to be the “most certainly” date for Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari Components 1 automobile. Nonetheless, the schedule stays topic to vary, as unfavorable climate circumstances might push the check to a special date. Since Hamilton is simply permitted 1,000 kilometers of personal working this 12 months, each he and the group are decided to not waste any priceless time, particularly if rain is predicted.
Hamilton’s first expertise in a Ferrari automobile is not going to contain the group’s newest 2025 challenger, as Ferrari – together with all different F1 groups – isn’t allowed to start testing their 2025 vehicles till the official pre-season testing in Bahrain. Groups are permitted two filming days the place they’ll run a present spec automobile for a most of 200 kilometers per day, but it surely doesn’t appear that Ferrari will use these filming days previous to their Bahrain check. Subsequently, Hamilton’s preliminary run will happen in considered one of Ferrari’s older vehicles from the 2022 Components 1 season.
For his first check session, Ferrari will put Hamilton within the F1-75, the automobile from the 2022 season. The main focus is not going to be on outright pace across the Fiorano circuit however fairly on Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s particular automobile setup, which incorporates familiarizing himself with the group’s steering wheel, controls, and the refined variations between Ferrari and his former Mercedes equipment.
Hamilton will work carefully with race engineer Riccardo Adami for this check session, as Peter Bonnington, his long-time race engineer from Mercedes, is not going to be becoming a member of him at Ferrari. As a substitute, Peter Bonnington will proceed his partnership with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This marks a major shift for Hamilton, as he adapts to new group dynamics, with all of the observe time he can get being essential within the lead-up to the Australian Grand Prix.
The time spent along with Riccardo Adami shall be invaluable, as Ferrari’s group might want to work effectively to make sure Hamilton is totally ready for the 2025 season. This partnership is especially vital, as former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel had a lot to say about Riccardo Adami’s affect and function throughout their time working collectively.
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