Frederic Vasseur tells Lewis Hamilton when he must stop being ’emotional’ ahead of Ferrari debut

The day Lewis Hamilton marks history by stepping into a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time is edging closer.

The seven-time world champion will join the Maranello outfit in 2025 from Mercedes, after spending 12 record-breaking years with the Silver Arrows.

Hamilton signed his £39m-a-year contract with Ferrari before even stepping into the W15 this season, conforming In February that he would be replacing Carlos Sainz next year.

The Brit struggled again with consistency as his Mercedes machinery proved difficult to extract the best out of. Qualifying was a huge problem for Hamilton as he was eliminated in Q1 four times in 2024, finishing the season seventh in the standings; the lowest finish of his career.

But the 39-year-old showed some moments of brilliance this season by winning the British Grand Prix and Belgian Grand Prix – his first wins since Jeddah in 2021.

Hamilton put in a vintage performance in his final race with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finishing fourth from P16 – and he will be looking to carry that momentum into his new adventure with Ferrari.

Frederic Vasseur says Lewis Hamilton can only be emotional for ‘one lap’ of his first Ferrari test

Many fans around the world are eagerly waiting for Hamilton’s first appearance in red. Mercedes blocked Hamilton from testing with Ferrari in the post-season session in Abu Dhabi as he is still under contract with the Brackley-based outfit until the new year.

Ferrari have scheduled for Hamilton to test at the Fiorano Circuit in January, but they have other dates planned if they have to reschedule due to weather conditions.

Ferrari may even relocate the test to Mugello or Imola – the home of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Hamilton will also get a chance to test in Barcelona in a Pirelli test in February.

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The outing will certainly be an emotional moment for Hamilton and the F1 world, but Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur joked that the Brit will only be allowed to be emotional for one lap before getting his head down and going to work.

Speaking about the test to Sky Sports F1, Vasseur said: “We are dependent on the weather, it’s not easy in January.

“Yeah it’s true that it’s quite emotional because I think he has this moment in his mind for probably 20 years. It means that it will be emotional but it has to be emotional for one lap! And then to be focused.”

Can Lewis Hamilton be a success at Ferrari?

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will likely be his last transfer in F1 before retirement, and he will be eager to make it count as he eyes a record eighth world title.

There are some concerns about whether the 39-year-old will be able to perform at the Maranello squad, given the woes he suffered with Mercedes during the ground-effect era and the fact he was outperformed by George Russell in 2024.

Things will not get any easier at Ferrari as he has to deal with Charles Leclerc as his teammate, who is one of the strongest drivers over one lap, as well as working with new team members and a new language.

Former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo says Ferrari needs ‘clarity in management’ to make Hamilton a phenomenon at the team as he battles against Leclerc for the world championship.