As Lewis Hamilton embarks on a historic chapter with Ferrari, the Scuderia is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless transition for the seven-time world champion. Reports from Italian media suggest a meticulously crafted pre-season testing plan that highlights Ferrari’s determination to hit the ground running in 2025.
Turbocharging the Transition: Extended Testing Schedule
Hamilton’s adaptation to the red machine will begin with TPC (Testing of Previous Car) sessions. Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur had already hinted at testing at Fiorano in January, but the team is now doubling down with additional sessions in Barcelona.
Key details of the schedule include:
- Fiorano Test: Initial acclimatization runs on Ferrari’s home track.
- Barcelona Circuit Sessions: Four days at the Spanish Grand Prix venue, featuring two days of on-track running and two days for integration with Ferrari engineers.
- Total TPC Distance: Up to the 1000km allowed under regulations.
These efforts aim to familiarize Hamilton with Ferrari’s nuances and prepare him to contend with Charles Leclerc, who is coming off an outstanding 2024 season.
Meet the Voice in Hamilton’s Ear: Riccardo Adami
Ferrari has chosen Riccardo Adami as Hamilton’s race engineer, a move that reflects both experience and strategic alignment. Adami’s credentials include working with Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel, giving him deep knowledge of Ferrari’s operations and the intricacies of handling elite drivers.
Building a strong rapport with Adami will be essential as Hamilton gears up for what could be one of the most competitive intra-team rivalries in recent memory.
Familiar Faces in New Places
Hamilton won’t be starting from scratch at Ferrari. Several key figures from his Mercedes tenure have already joined the Scuderia, including:
- Jerome D’Ambrosio, now Ferrari’s Deputy Team Principal.
- Loic Serra, Ferrari’s Technical Director.
Additionally, Frederic Vasseur, Hamilton’s former boss during his Euro Formula 3 and GP2 championship runs, brings a sense of continuity to this high-profile partnership.
The Road to Bahrain
Hamilton’s intense preparation will culminate in the official pre-season test in Bahrain (February 26-28). Before that, Ferrari plans to unveil Hamilton as a driver at the F1 75 launch event in London’s O2 Arena on February 18, followed by a team launch in Maranello.
The 2025 campaign is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Ferrari as it seeks to break a 16-year championship drought, and Hamilton’s arrival could be the catalyst. The stage is set for one of the most eagerly awaited driver-team collaborations in Formula 1 history.
