When Lewis Hamilton will return on track with Ferrari: crucial technical tests

Lewis Hamilton arrived in Maranello on Monday morning. The entire Ferrari F1 team welcomed him with open arms, giving him a reception worthy of a Member of the British Empire. This is precisely the title that the Briton was awarded by Queen Elizabeth herself several years ago. It’s no small honor. Sir Lewis is the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1, an undeniable fact. His talent has taken him to victory on every track in the world. Now, at 40 years old, it’s time to enter the realm of legends. To do this, there was only one option: to drive for Ferrari.

The Englishman left behind a “safe spot” where he could have finished his career comfortably. He had nothing more to prove. Instead, driven by a predatory instinct and childhood dreams, the British driver wanted to face the final challenge of his career. Winning with Ferrari has a different flavor. If, as all supporters of the Prancing Horse expect, he manages to bring the championship back to Maranello, he will become a living legend. The first approach took place in recent days: a visit to the factory, simulator sessions, and a shakedown on the track with the 2023 season car.

Lewis Hamilton was able to test the Brembo brakes, on which he expressed a very positive opinion. Thanks to Italian technology, the goal is to solve the qualifying problems he faced last season, when, with Mercedes, he used Carbon Industries brakes during braking. There was also the first close encounter with the PU 066/12. A kind of lesson to learn how to best use the Italian power unit. Achieving the perfect “manual memory” to fully exploit the power unit with its various controls will not be easy. He’s also working on this in the simulator.

The Ferrari SF-23 single-seater wasn’t a great car. Undoubtedly the weakest one produced in the wing car era. However, driving it was fantastic for Lewis Hamilton. Clearly excited, the Briton completed a reduced work program. About thirty laps where he became familiar with the various controls and, at the same time, started to get to know the Maranello team’s working methodology. Although it’s always important to get on track, next week at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, as we had previously anticipated, Lewis Hamilton will face a significantly more demanding test.

He’ll have more time to focus on the work to be done. Charles Leclerc will also be present with him. Another interesting detail concerns the test organized by Pirelli for the 2026 tires. The International Federation is well aware of how complicated it is for the Italian tire manufacturer to work on the new generation of tires without a car regulated by the upcoming set of rules. That’s why they’ll allow teams to use a modified 2024 car for this occasion. The seven-time F1 world champion will thus drive the Ferrari SF-24 in February.

This is the car that allowed Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to fight for the constructors’ title until the last Formula 1 Grand Prix at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. A really good car, the basis for the car that will be unveiled on January 19th via broadcast, and then seen on track at Fiorano for the first pre-season run. The anticipation is quite high, there’s no denying it, because testing the SF-24 will provide the first important feedback for Lewis Hamilton, looking ahead to the 2025 Formula 1 championship. Meanwhile, however, the test previous car programme will start next Tuesday on the Catalan track, where Lewis Hamilton’s chemistry with the red car will continue to grow.