Ferrari: Charles Leclerc present during Lewis Hamilton's simulator session
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The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to kick off in less than two months in Melbourne. The post-season tests in Abu Dhabi provided a glimpse into the upcoming championship, with attention focused on drivers debuting with new teams: Carlos Sainz at Williams, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg with Sauber, and Esteban Ocon at Haas. For Ferrari, Charles Leclerc handled tire testing duties. However, not all drivers had the opportunity to settle into their new environments, such as Lewis Hamilton, who did not participate in the test, either with Mercedes, his former team, or with Ferrari, his new one.
Lewis Hamilton prepares for his debut
The seven-time world champion was unable to begin working with Ferrari before the expiration of his Mercedes contract on December 31. As such, his first outing with the Scuderia will take place in the coming days, as he is now officially a Ferrari driver. As reported earlier on December 13, his debut in a Ferrari will happen at the wheel of the 2022 F1-75 during a "Test of Previous Cars" session organized by the team. This session is scheduled for January 21-22 at the Fiorano circuit. Before taking to the track, Lewis Hamilton has been engaging in simulator sessions to familiarize himself with both the 2022 car he will soon drive and the 2025 car, allowing him to grow progressively comfortable with the team in a comprehensive way.
Charles Leclerc also present…
The program could be subject to changes due to unfavorable weather or other pressing circumstances, but it will serve as an opportunity for the seven-time champion to “shake off the rust” after months away from racing. Charles Leclerc is also expected to be on track, likely on January 22. Additionally, sources close to the Maranello team have revealed that the Monegasque driver requested to be present during his teammate's simulator session, as reported by formula1.it. His goal appears to be twofold: to observe firsthand the work methods of the most successful driver in the sport's history and, perhaps more importantly, to ensure Lewis Hamilton isn't left alone with the technical staff of the Scuderia. With the Maranello team understandably energized by the British driver’s arrival, Charles Leclerc may be keen to prevent his new teammate from building too close a rapport with the staff and undermining his own advantage early in the season—his familiarity with the team and the unconditional trust of its personnel.
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