Ferrari may now attempt sneaky Lewis Hamilton trick to avoid fans turning up to his first F1 test

Life as a Ferrari driver has officially started for Lewis Hamilton after almost a year of waiting.

The seven-time world champion announced his exit from Mercedes in February last year as he signed a multi-year deal with F1’s most successful team.

Hamilton visited the Ferrari factory on Monday to meet his colleagues at Maranello and complete some work in the simulator. The Brit sent social media into a frenzy as he posed for a picture outside of Enzo Ferrari’s old house in a full-piece suit and a Ferrari F40 behind him.

Lando Norris called Hamilton a ‘don’ after seeing the incredible image of the 40-year-old finally as a Ferrari driver. With his first factory visit, the day Hamilton gets into one of their F1 cars for the first time nears closer.

Hamilton will test at Ferrari’s private circuit in Fiorano before pre-season testing starts in Bahrain at the end of February.

Hamilton’s Ferrari debut may cause problems for Italian police as the event may see thousands of fans flock to the circuit to witness the seven-time champion in red. But the Maranello outfit may have a trick up their sleeve to avoid this from happening.

Ferrari could sneak Lewis Hamilton’s first test on Tuesday rather than Wednesday

It has been reported that Hamilton’s first test for Ferrari is set to happen on Wednesday at Fiorano. Weather concerns on the day could mean Ferrari may delay Hamilton’s test for a later date and could even move circuits.

The Maranello outfit have been keeping exact details hidden so they can focus on getting the 40-year-old integrated into the team with as little distraction as possible.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

And with fan interest sky high as they hope to see Hamilton in a Ferrari, journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm says it is ‘possible’ the team could move his test a day early to avoid people turning up at Fiorano.

“Concerns over the weather meant the date has been kept flexible, but it’s due to be on Wednesday, January 22nd”, he said via The Race YouTube channel.

“Ferrari is keeping a lid on its exact plans to avoid fans flocking to either Maranello or Fiorano, jamming up the roads and trying to find a place to watch along the overpass that runs alongside the circuit.

“It’s possible that Wednesday ends up being a red herring and Ferrari actually tries to sneak the test in on Tuesday, when everybody else I expecting it a day later, but right now, we’re expecting two days of acclimatisation in Maranello before Hamilton gets on track”.

Damon Hill concerned Ferrari may take the ‘fizz’ out of Lewis Hamilton’s move with an uncompetitive car

Hamilton will hope a fresh start at Ferrari will be the confidence boost he needs after enduring a tough end to his spell at Mercedes.

The Brit recorded the lowest finish of his career in the Drivers’ Championship in 2024. He finished the season seventh in the standings as George Russell beat him for the second time.

The 40-year-old is keen to iron out his problems with Ferrari in what will likely be his last move in F1. Testing at the Fiorano Circuit will give him a good indication as to whether he will have a title contender or not for 2025.

Damon Hill is worried Ferrari may take the ‘fizz’ out of Hamilton’s move by giving him an uncompetitive car. After three years of struggle at Mercedes during the ground effect era, this would be the last thing the seven-time champion will need heading into the new era of regulations in 2026.