Lewis Hamilton will make the switch to Ferrari in 2025 in what is the most anticipated move of the season as he chases an eighth world title.
It is only the third career move from the seven-time world champion in Formula 1, having made his debut with McLaren in 2007 and later switched to Mercedes in 2013.
It will also be the first time that Hamilton has not used a Mercedes engine, having been supported throughout his career by the brand. Additionally, Ferrari are expected to give Hamilton access to Enzo Ferrari’s old house for testing days upon his arrival in 2025.
Hamilton will also work with Sebastian Vettel’s old Ferrari engineers and will be granted the privilege of being able to use the right-hand side of the Scuderia’s garage.
But he will face a challenge against Charles Leclerc, who is very much seen as one of Ferrari’s own having come through their driver academy.
David Coulthard thinks Hamilton will ‘piece together’ more victories due to his experience over Leclerc. However, Red Bull simulator driver Rudy van Buren has told the RacingNews365 NL podcast that he thinks it will be a tough season for Hamilton.
Rudy van Buren predicts Lewis Hamilton will find the 2025 Ferrari difficult to drive
Ferrari’s form has been sporadic over the last couple of years, although the final upgrades they made to their car at the Italian GP last season appeared to put them on the right track.
Carlos Sainz took a dominant victory at Mexico, while Leclerc also rounded out the year with wins at Monza and the Circuit of the Americas.
Hamilton’s qualifying was often the source of his difficulties in 2024, and Van Buren expects that to be a similar trend as he tries to get used to Ferrari’s 2025 car.
“I think the raw speed never went away, it’s just his optimisation of qualifying is difficult for him,” said Van Buren.
“It will also be difficult at Ferrari first of all, whether he can handle the car, because in terms of driving style it is quite different than the Mercedes. Don’t forget how little the pre-season is with these cars.”
Lewis Hamilton’s first test at Ferrari is in early 2025
Hamilton will be testing at Fiorano, Ferrari’s dedicated testing facility in Maranello, in early January for the first time.
The plan for Hamilton is to test on January 21st or 22nd, depending on the weather conditions at the time.
READ MORE: The best moments of Lewis Hamilton’s career in Formula 1
He will likely be driving a 2022-spec car and it will be a few weeks after he celebrates his 40th birthday, having spent most of his F1 career racing for British teams.
Ferrari are hoping that Hamilton can deliver their first title since 2007 after he was responsible for Felipe Massa missing out on the Drivers’ Championship in 2008.
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