Lewis Hamilton receives Ferrari F1 debut SETBACK

Photo: © IMAGO

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton receives Ferrari debut SETBACK

Lewis Hamilton is expected to join Ferrari in 2025

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Thursday 24 October 2024 23:00

Lewis Hamilton's debut with Ferrari has received a setback as he will reportedly miss the end of season test in Abu Dhabi.

The seven-time world champion shocked the F1 paddock and fans alike when he announced he would be leaving Mercedes and joining Ferrari in 2025.

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Despite achieving six of his seven world titles with Mercedes, their performance since the 2022 regulation changes has significantly declined, and Hamilton has fallen behind his rivals.

The Brit endured the longest winless streak in his career from the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP, until he achieved an emotional victory at Silverstone this year.

Lewis Hamilton will join Fred Vasseur's Ferrari in 2025

When will Lewis Hamilton join Ferrari?

However, Hamilton is set to miss this test, and is instead expected to conduct a farewell tour with his Mercedes family.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the champion will initially travel to Kuala Lumpur for their main sponsor Petronas, Stuttgart to see Mercedes and finally will visit employees at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth.

Lewis Hamilton will conduct a farewell tour at Mercedes

Complications with Hamilton's Mercedes contract would mean that the seven-time champion would not be able to take part in the test even if he was free of his farewell duties.

In contrast, Carlos Sainz, who Hamilton will be replacing at Ferrari, is set to drive with his new team Williams in Abu Dhabi, leaving the second Ferrari seat vacant at the test.

Furthermore, Esteban Ocon will test with Haas, and Nico Hulkenberg will debut at Sauber, as the grid undergoes a seismic shift for the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Silverstone Abu Dhabi