Ferrari advocated for F1 regulation shift that's hindering Lewis Hamilton's 2025 pre-season progress
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Lewis Hamilton Embarks on Intense Testing Regimen Ahead of Ferrari Debut at Australian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton is set to undergo an extensive testing schedule to ensure he's fully prepared for his much-anticipated Ferrari debut at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. The primary objective is to have the seven-time champion as acclimated as possible before he hits the track in Melbourne.
Adapting to a new car is always a challenge for any driver, but the British driver faces additional hurdles as he integrates into an entirely new team environment. Establishing a strong rapport with Ferrari's engineers is crucial for optimizing race performance, and Lewis Hamilton must also familiarize himself with a new set of technical systems and protocols. These include managing Ferrari's distinct power unit and adjusting to different race start procedures, all of which differ significantly from his time at Mercedes.
In contrast, teammate Charles Leclerc has a substantial head start in these areas, having been part of the Ferrari family since 2016 as a junior and an F1 driver since 2019. This familiarity with the car, the team, and its processes gives Leclerc a clear advantage heading into the season.
Hamilton, however, has already begun laying the groundwork for his Ferrari transition. On Wednesday, he logged approximately 90 kilometers at Ferrari's private Fiorano test track. Additional sessions are on the horizon, including a Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona and a shakedown of Ferrari's 2025 car at Fiorano. The critical pre-season testing period in Bahrain is set to run from 26 to 28 February, where Lewis Hamilton will need to extract every ounce of value from the limited track time.
Ferrari's Push for Testing Restrictions Now Challenges Lewis Hamilton's Preparation
Ironically, Ferrari's own advocacy for stricter testing regulations is now presenting a challenge for their star signing. The tightening of rules was prompted, in part, by an incident involving Red Bull during the 2023 season. Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen tested the 2022 Red Bull at Imola using Pirelli's Academy tyres, which differ from race-spec rubber. While within the letter of the rules, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur publicly questioned whether the test violated the spirit of fair competition.
Following this, Ferrari reportedly lobbied for more restrictive testing parameters, and for 2025, the rules now limit experienced drivers to just four days of running in cars older than two years, with a mileage cap of 1,000 kilometers. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has already consumed nearly 10% of that allowance during his Fiorano outing, highlighting how these limitations could impede his adaptation process.
Mental and Physical Challenges Await Hamilton
While physical preparation is vital, much of Lewis Hamilton's off-season work will also need to focus on regaining his mental sharpness. His final season at Mercedes was marked by uncharacteristically subdued performances, leading to speculation about his self-belief and motivation.
His father, Anthony Hamilton, has stated that his son is entering 2025 with renewed drive and confidence, fueled by a rigorous winter training program. However, turning that optimism into on-track success will be a different challenge.
Lewis Hamilton's longtime confidant, Angela Cullen, has returned to his support team, which could provide a boost to his mental resilience. Yet, if age was indeed a factor in his underwhelming 2024 campaign, there may be limits to how much he can recover.
Former F1 driver Martin Brundle recently commented on Hamilton's current form, suggesting the Briton may no longer possess the same edge that once defined his dominance. The Sky Sports journalist rated Hamilton's potential at 96–97% of his peak level, which may still be enough for a championship bid—provided everything else falls into place.
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