Fred Vasseur has revealed when and how Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 debut will take place as preparations ramp up ahead of 2025 F1 season.
Following an illustrious 12-year partnership with Mercedes, during which he secured six world titles and 84 race victories, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen as both a fresh start and a chance to pursue an eighth championship.
As the 2025 F1 season approaches, anticipation builds around Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 debut which is set to take place in early 2025.
Reports from various sources indicate that Hamilton will make his first official appearance as a Ferrari driver at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, 2025.
However, he is set to take to the track before the much-anticipated 2025 F1 season opener, thanks to regulations that allow teams to conduct private tests with older cars.
The initial private test is rumored to happen on either January 21 or 22, 2025. This session will likely involve driving a legacy car from either the 2022 or 2023 season, providing Hamilton with an opportunity to understand Ferrari’s engineering philosophy and driving dynamics.
Reports indicate that Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 debut run will happen at Fiorano circuit and possibly at Mugello or Imola in January, where he will drive a car from the 2022 season, the first model built under the current regulations.
These tests are crucial for Hamilton as he transitions from Mercedes’ machinery to that of Ferrari, allowing him to acclimatize to the unique characteristics of the team’s cars.
Team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasized the importance of the early runs, noting that they will help Hamilton settle into his new environment before the official pre-season testing begins in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.
“Probably yes but we are dependent on the weather, it’s not easy in January,” Vasseur told Sky Sports. “It’s true that it’s quite emotional because I think he has this moment in his mind for probably 20 years.
“That means it will be emotional – but it has to be emotional for one lap and then to be focused!
“We will have the first test days with TPC and Pirelli and then the launch of the championship first on the 18th [February], then the launch of the car on the 19th and then we will go directly to Bahrain and it will be a tough sequence until Melbourne.
“But it’s true that it’s a short preparation because we have something like four weeks at the factory before the first event, but it is like it is.”
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Vasseur was also confident Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 debut run will be a success due to his ability to adapt quickly to a new environment amid lack of running before pre-season testing.
He stated that Hamilton would not require extensive acclimatization due to his wealth of experience in Formula 1.
“It is not easy but he is coming with his own experience,” Vasseur added. “He is not the rookie of the year, I am not worried at all about this.”
Vasseur added that Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 debut will feature several simulator sessions to help get him up to speed with the 2025 F1 car.
“We know that we have a lot of procedure to assimilate during this couple of days but he is experienced enough to do it,” the 56-year old said.
“We have the advantage to have the simulator and he will be able to do a race simulation and a qualifying simulation in the simulator and to be fully prepared with the steering wheel and all the particularities of the car.
“But I am not worried about this and it is not the biggest challenge.”
The launch of Hamilton’s first Ferrari car is set for February 19, 2025, at the team’s factory in Maranello. This event will follow a major celebration marking Formula 1’s 75th anniversary in London on February 18, where all ten teams will unveil their liveries for the upcoming season.
Following the launch event, Ferrari will head directly to Bahrain for three days of pre-season testing starting on February 26. This timeline allows Hamilton and Leclerc limited time on track together before they face off against their rivals in Australia.
