Lewis Hamilton will complete an extensive testing programme before he makes his Ferrari debut at the Australian Grand Prix. The aim is to be as comfortable as possible when he takes to the track in Melbourne.
Every year, a driver must get used to the handling characteristics of a new car. But in Hamilton’s case, he also needs to develop a working relationship with his new engineers – one that’s strong enough to maximise every race weekend.
There’s also an array of technological procedures that will differ from his time at Mercedes. For instance, Hamilton will be managing a different power unit, and preparing for race starts in an unfamiliar way.
Of course, teammate Charles Leclerc has an inherent advantage in all of these areas. He’s been with the team since 2016 (as a junior, 2019 as an F1 driver).
That’s why the winter is so important. Hamilton completed around 90km of running at the private Fiorano test track on Wednesday.
Ferrari have also booked a Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona, while Hamilton will drive his 2025 F1 car at Fiorano in a shakedown format. Pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from 26 to 28 February.
Ferrari wanted F1 testing restrictions – now they’re affecting Lewis Hamilton
Ahead of last year’s Spanish Grand Prix, reigning world champion Max Verstappen tested the 2022 Red Bull at Imola. While he was only allowed to use Pirelli’s Academy tyres – which differ from F1 race rubber – he was trying to establish a development direction for the 2024 machinery.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur had concerns about the test. He implied, via The Race, that Red Bull had contravened the spirit of the regulations, even if he had no firm grounds for complaint.
- READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory
And the same outlet has noted that Ferrari ‘played a part’ in the rules being tightened up for 2025. They were ‘very vocal’ with their grievances in public and in private.
Now, experienced full-time drivers are permitted just four days of running in previous cars (two or more years old). Mileage is also limited to 1,000km, which means Hamilton has already used nearly 10% of his allocation.
Martin Brundle rates Lewis Hamilton’s current level out of 100
On one level, it’s ironic that Ferrari pushed for a rule change that’s now impacting their newest driver. On another, they knew he was coming, but clearly they still felt this was a worthwhile sacrifice.
For Hamilton, much of the work in the off-season will be mental. He appeared to lose self-belief during a script-busting final year at Mercedes.
According to his father Anthony, Hamilton is full of motivation and confidence after the winter training period. But he’ll have to demonstrate that on the track.
The return of Angela Cullen – one of his closest allies – should help, but if age played a part in his poor performances, there’s a limit to what he can do. Martin Brundle thinks Hamilton has ‘lost the edge’, but still believes he can get to 96 or 97% of his past level.
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