P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes‘ contractual obligations mean Lewis Hamilton will be made to wait until 2025 to make his Formula 1 debut in Ferrari colours. Hamilton shocked the F1 world on the eve of the 2024 season when he announced he’d be departing Mercedes at the end of this year. The seven-time World Champion, after 18 years associated […]
Lewis Hamilton’s announcement of leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 surprised the F1 community before the start of the 2024 season. Contrary to past practices, Hamilton won’t be able to test with his new team in Abu Dhabi due to contract obligations with Mercedes. However, other drivers, like Fernando Alonso, have been able to switch teams and test early in the past. Mercedes is strategically delaying Hamilton’s move to Ferrari as long as possible to maintain competitive advantage. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, who will be replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari, is set to join Williams in 2025, pending contract negotiations. Williams’ Team Principal is working with Ferrari to potentially have Sainz participate in the post-season test.
