The dates for Lewis Hamilton’s second test in a Ferrari Formula 1 car have been confirmed as he prepares for the 2025 season.
Hamilton took to Ferrari’s test track in Fiorano this week in the 2023 SF-23 to complete 30 laps of the circuit.
A new rule regarding the Testing of Previous Cars [TPC] has been introduced for the 2025 F1 season – listed under section B (article 11.3.7) of the F1 sporting regulations.
It states: “Each Competitor may complete a maximum of one thousand (1000) kilometres of TPC in each calendar year using drivers entered in the Championship, or which they intend to enter in the Championship, such distance being accumulated over a maximum of four (4) of the days allowed under Article B11.3.6.”
The British driver racked up 30 laps at the private track meaning roughly 90km of his 1000km allocation has already been used.
Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, managed only 14 laps or about 42km.
Hamilton and Leclerc will conduct a test for the Italian team at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the current venue for the Spanish Grand Prix, between January 28 and 30.
Between Tuesday and Thursday next week, a behind-closed-doors test will take place but the older spec version has yet to be confirmed by Ferrari.
Reports suggest that it will either be the 2023 SF-23 or the 2022 F1-75 Ferrari for next week’s outing.
Hamilton to get first taste of Ferrari’s SF-24 challenger
A third test for Ferrari will take place on February 4-5 at the same venue – with rivals McLaren also present for the Pirelli test.
This third outing will hand the 40-year-old his first chance at driving last season’s Ferrari – which narrowly missed out on securing the team’s first Constructors’ Championship since 2008.
A late-season charge, led by Leclerc and the outgoing Carlos Sainz, saw Ferrari take the team championship to the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Second place for Sainz and third place for Leclerc wasn’t enough for the Prancing Horse as the team finished 14 points off McLaren.
For 2025, Hamilton and Leclerc will spearhead the Ferrari challenge as the former Mercedes driver was over the moon with his first appearance in red.
“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face,” Hamilton said.
“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the Tifosi!
“But to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring.”
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton: Remaining at Mercedes would’ve been greater ‘risk’ than Ferrari move
