Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to make his on-track debut for Ferrari in just two weeks, as the Scuderia takes advantage of the FIA’s new, more restrictive regulations on private testing with older F1 cars. Realdoodle.com can confirm that Hamilton will get behind the wheel of a Ferrari in January, marking a crucial step in his preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Under the previous regulations, there were no restrictions on running two- to four-year-old cars for testing, even for active race drivers. However, the FIA updated the rules for 2025 following an incident where Max Verstappen tested Red Bull’s 2022 car at Imola in June to address issues with the RB20. The new sporting regulations, which were issued in December 2024, limit teams to a maximum of 1,000 kilometers of testing with previous-generation cars per year.
As part of Ferrari’s testing plan, Hamilton will undergo four days of track sessions in January, starting with a run at the team’s home circuit, Fiorano, on either January 20 or 21, depending on weather conditions. The team will then move on to Barcelona later in the month, where they have reserved at least four days of testing. This flexibility will allow Ferrari to maximize their time on track, depending on the weather, ensuring they make the most of the limited testing opportunity.
An important decision still to be made is whether Hamilton will drive the Ferrari SF-23 or its predecessor, the F1-75. Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly, noting the seven-time world champion’s extensive experience in F1. “He is experienced enough to do it,” Vasseur said. “We know there are many procedures to absorb, but with the simulator, Hamilton will be fully prepared, including race and qualifying simulations.”
Hamilton himself shared his excitement about the new chapter in his career in a LinkedIn post. “Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on,” he wrote. “To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you’re switching industries, learning a new skill, or taking on new challenges, reinvention is powerful.”
The new Ferrari F1 car will be revealed on February 19, just a day after the official F1 launch in London and a week before the pre-season testing begins in Bahrain on February 26.
With these important testing days on the horizon, Hamilton is set to take significant steps toward acclimatizing to his new team and gearing up for the challenges of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
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