Ferrari supporters have been eagerly awaiting the second when Lewis Hamilton will lastly take to the observe in certainly one of their Method 1 automobiles, a second that’s now on the horizon after almost a yr of anticipation.
In the beginning 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 bold 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 crucial constant and dependable drivers on the grid, however the arrival of Hamilton is anticipated to push him to raise his efficiency even additional, making the partnership between the 2 Ferrari drivers one of the crucial anticipated in latest F1 historical past.
Though Ferrari has been tight-lipped in regards to the precise timing of Hamilton’s first on-track take a look at, it’s extensively speculated that the group may have him behind the wheel of certainly one of their older automobiles sooner fairly than later, particularly provided 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 transferring from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. Even then, the change was considerably acquainted, as Mercedes had beforehand been McLaren’s engine provider. This time, nevertheless, the transfer to Ferrari shall be a totally new problem, one that may require a steep studying curve.
A latest 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 classes forward of his first take a look at. Though the Tifosi are desperate to see Hamilton in Ferrari’s iconic pink automobiles, 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 big period of time refining his expertise and getting acclimatized to Ferrari’s automotive and group dynamics. Whereas on-track testing shall be essential 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 anticipated to satisfy along with his engineers within the coming days and start his simulator classes quickly after. Whereas Ferrari plans to formally unveil Hamilton and their new SF-25 automotive on February 19, the day following F1’s launch occasion in London, Hamilton may 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 take a look at observe is totally booked from January 21 to January 23, with the group contemplating January 22 to be the “most definitely” date for Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari Method 1 automotive. Nonetheless, the schedule stays topic to alter, as unfavorable climate circumstances might push the take a look at to a unique date. Since Hamilton is barely permitted 1,000 kilometers of personal working this yr, each he and the group are decided to not waste any invaluable time, particularly if rain is anticipated.
Hamilton’s first expertise in a Ferrari automotive is not going to contain the group’s newest 2025 challenger, as Ferrari – together with all different F1 groups – shouldn’t be allowed to start testing their 2025 automobiles till the official pre-season testing in Bahrain. Groups are permitted two filming days the place they will run a present spec automotive 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 take a look at. Subsequently, Hamilton’s preliminary run will happen in certainly one of Ferrari’s older automobiles from the 2022 Method 1 season.
For his first take a look at session, Ferrari will put Hamilton within the F1-75, the automotive from the 2022 season. The main focus is not going to be on outright velocity across the Fiorano circuit however fairly on Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s particular automotive 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 intently with race engineer Riccardo Adami for this take a look at session, as Peter Bonnington, his long-time race engineer from Mercedes, is not going to be becoming a member of him at Ferrari. As an alternative, Peter Bonnington will proceed his partnership with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This marks a big 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 important, 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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