P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton’s debut F1 outing in a Ferrari is poised to take place in the team’s 2022 car next term amid an absence from the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
Lewis Hamilton has made the decision to end his long partnership with Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025, marking a highly-anticipated collaboration. The post-season run out at Yas Marina Circuit is a valuable opportunity for drivers switching teams to gain a headstart on the next season. However, Hamilton’s early testing with Ferrari depends on Mercedes agreeing to an early release, which they are not keen on due to planned commitments. Hamilton will miss the test in Abu Dhabi as he is scheduled to appear for Mercedes’ sponsor Petronas. Ferrari plans to allocate two ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ days to Hamilton to accelerate his adaptation to the team and the car. Hamilton’s first laps in a Ferrari are expected to be in the team’s 2022 challenger, the F1-75, at the Fiorano test track, continuing the tradition established by previous champions like Sebastian Vettel. Ferrari is already working on a program to help Hamilton familiarize himself with the team’s operations and get him up to speed for the 2025 season.
