When will Hamilton make his Ferrari debut? Vasseur answers

Ferrari is happy to welcome Lewis Hamilton as of the 2025 Formula 1 season, but that does not mean the former Mercedes driver will get any special treatment in the Italian racing outfit. Team boss Fred Vasseur discusses the Maranello-based team's schedule ahead of winter testing in Bahrain.

One of the most often asked questions by fans is: when will we see Hamilton in Ferrari red for the first time? According to Vasseur, that depends on several factors and not everything will be done to put the Briton in a Ferrari as soon as possible. "It’s not because he is Lewis that we have to do differently," the Frenchman explained to Sky Sports.

"He will come with his own experience, his own background. But we don't have to change the approach. I'm sure that Lewis understands this perfectly," he adds. "We will have the first days with TPC at Pirelli and then the launch of the car. The launch of the championship first on the 18th and then the launch of the car on the 19th. And then we'll go directly to Bahrain."

However, there will probably be a chance for Hamilton to try out a Ferrari before then. "Probably yes, but we are dependent on the weather, it's not easy in January. It's indeed quite emotional because I think he has had this moment in his mind for probably 20 years. It means that it will be emotional, but it has to be emotional for one lap. And then to be focused!" the Ferrari team boss stressed.

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