Rumoured Date Emerges for Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 Debut

Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated first drive in a Ferrari Formula 1 car is expected to take place in January, following his monumental switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

First Test Details

The seven-time world champion is set to drive a 2023-spec Ferrari on either January 21 or 22, according to AutoRacer. The session will likely occur at one of Ferrari’s test facilities, such as Fiorano or Mugello, with Imola being a potential alternative if needed.

Ferrari is keen to give the 39-year-old driver an early run to aid his adaptation ahead of the official pre-season test in Bahrain, scheduled for February 26-28. Team principal Fred Vasseur noted that the test timing depends heavily on weather conditions, as January can be unpredictable in Italy.

Vasseur’s Comments

Vasseur acknowledged the emotional significance of Hamilton’s first outing with Ferrari.
“It will be emotional—probably for one lap—but then he needs to focus!” he said during Ferrari’s end-of-season media event.

He outlined the tight schedule leading up to the 2025 season, which includes:

• February 18: F1 season launch event at The O2 in London
• February 19: Ferrari’s 2025 car launch
• February 26-28: Pre-season testing in Bahrain

Hamilton’s first competitive appearance in Ferrari red will take place at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

Adapting to Ferrari

Despite limited testing opportunities, Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to acclimate quickly, citing his extensive experience in F1.

“He’s not a rookie; I’m not worried about this,” Vasseur said, adding that Hamilton will undergo multiple simulator sessions to familiarize himself with Ferrari’s systems and car characteristics.

Hamilton will perform race and qualifying simulations to ensure he is fully prepared, particularly for the car’s unique steering wheel and operational nuances.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming test will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Hamilton, as he transitions from a dominant 12-season stint at Mercedes to Ferrari, a team he has admired since the early days of his career. Fans eagerly await his debut in Ferrari’s iconic red overalls, adding another layer of excitement to the 2025 F1 season.