The seven-time F1 world champion only has three races left at Mercedes before moving to the Scuderia.
Lewis Hamilton is set to test a Ferrari F1 car for the first time early next year, but he won’t be participating in the traditional post-season test in Abu Dhabi after the 2024 season. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion will depart from Mercedes after a 12-year stint with the team at the end of this season, with only three races remaining before he transitions to Ferrari for the 2025 season.
Following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 8, some Formula 1 drivers usually engage in a post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit, alongside up-and-coming junior drivers. However, Hamilton is unable to attend this session due to scheduled commitments with Petronas, a primary sponsor of Mercedes, immediately following the Abu Dhabi race. As a result, his debut drive in a Ferrari F1 car will be delayed until 2025.
Despite this, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Hamilton will likely get his initial experience in a Ferrari through a “Testing of Previous Cars” (TPC) session, scheduled before the start of the 2025 season. These TPC days provide drivers with opportunities to test older F1 cars, offering Hamilton an early chance to adapt to Ferrari’s unique setup and performance characteristics.
