P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton will link up with Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season as he commences a new chapter of his F1 racing career.
Lewis Hamilton is set to make his Ferrari F1 debut in an older car during a private test early next year, before driving the 2025 Ferrari challenger in pre-season testing from Bahrain in February. This opportunity comes after Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari next season. Ferrari had initially hoped to have Hamilton test their car at post-season Abu Dhabi but that plan has been ruled out. To prepare Hamilton for his new team, Ferrari will organize a private outing, possibly at Fiorano, alongside the planned testing sessions. Teams can run F1 cars from at least two years prior outside of official events, making Hamilton eligible to drive the 2022 Ferrari car. Ferrari is already focusing on preparations for the upcoming season and the test plan with Hamilton in a bid to mount a title challenge.
