Hamilton’s Ferrari test schedule and race engineer revealed
Ferrari has reportedly prepared a comprehensive testing program for Lewis Hamilton that will unfold later this month at Fiorano and in Barcelona.
The seven-time world champion will make his official debut with the Scuderia during F1's pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 26.
But before heading to Sakhir, the Briton is expected to have two separate opportunities to familiarize himself with his new team and the crews that will work alongside him during the 2025 season.
Hamilton's first outing in a Ferrari will take place at Fiorano, the team's private test track, on February 20 or 21 – weather permitting.
The 40-year-old will drive an older-spec Ferrari car during this session, out of the public eye, as permitted by the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.
The program is designed to give Hamilton valuable seat time while staying within the new 1,000-kilometre limit imposed on full-time drivers by the updated TPC rules.
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Following the Fiorano session, Ferrari and Hamilton will shift their focus to the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona for a more extensive testing program later in February.
While still adhering to the kilometer cap, this multi-day event will primarily serve as an opportunity for Hamilton to integrate with his new team.
It's understood that the week-long session will not necessarily be about maximizing track time but will instead allow Hamilton to build rapport with Ferrari engineers, mechanics, and key team members as he acclimates to his new environment.
A Focus on Hamilton's Adaptation
In a significant gesture of support, Ferrari has reportedly allocated the entirety of its TPC mileage to Hamilton. As a result, Charles Leclerc, who remains Hamilton's teammate for 2025, will not participate in any tests with older cars ahead of pre-season testing.
This decision underscores Ferrari's commitment to ensuring Hamilton is fully prepared for the season ahead.
The testing program also aligns with Ferrari's unveiling schedule for its 2025 challenger. The new car, codenamed Project 677, will be revealed on February 19 at Fiorano, following the F1 75 launch event in London the day before which will feature all ten Formula 1 teams.
Riccardo Adami as Race Engineer
Another key piece of Hamilton's Ferrari journey has fallen into place with the confirmation by La Gazzetta dello Sport that Riccardo Adami will serve as his race engineer for the 2025 season.
Adami, a seasoned veteran, previously worked as Carlos Sainz's race engineer (2021-24) and played a crucial role during Sebastian Vettel's tenure at Ferrari from 2015 to 2020.
Adami's wealth of experience, coupled with his deep understanding of Ferrari's operations, makes him a natural choice to support Hamilton during this transition and beyond.
Building a Trusted Inner Circle
Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari comes with the formation of a trusted inner circle, ensuring he has the right support both on and off the track.
His long-time manager Marc Hynes will maintain close ties with the Briton, while Ferrari will accommodate several members of Hamilton's entourage, including trainers, security personnel, and communication specialists.
Notably, Hamilton will also find familiar faces within the Ferrari camp.
The Briton's collaboration with Fred Vasseur during his title-winning GP2 campaign in 2006 has been well chronicled.
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However, Hamilton is also well-acquainted with Ferrari's recently nominated deputy team principal, Jérôme d'Ambrosio, who worked alongside the Briton at Mercedes.
Additionally, former Mercedes engineer Loic Serra, a known ally of Hamilton wo joined the Scuderia last year, is heavily involved in the development of Ferrari's 2025 car.
A New Era Beckons
As Lewis Hamilton embarks on his Ferrari journey, the Scuderia is pulling out all the stops to ensure he has the tools and support needed to succeed.
From an intensive testing program to a carefully curated team of trusted individuals, Ferrari is clearly betting big on their star signing.
With the unveiling of the Project 677 car just weeks away and a promising lineup of talent surrounding him, Hamilton's quest for an eighth World Championship begins in earnest this February.
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