When Lewis Hamilton could take part in his first Formula 1 testing session for Ferrari

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Lewis Hamilton stunned the world of Formula 1 at the beginning of February when he announced he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the season.

After more than a decade of working together, Lewis Hamilton couldn’t resist the opportunity to drive for Ferrari before his time in F1 comes to an end.

With the Silver Arrows struggling throughout the current era of Formula 1 after the almost unprecedented success they enjoyed during Hamilton’s six world championship wins it felt like the right moment to make one last move on the grid before hanging up his racing boots.

The 2024 season has been one of the most difficult to predict in recent history and Hamilton has earned two wins – at Silverstone and Spa – as a result.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Ferrari have achieved the same number of victories as Mercedes, and the 2025 campaign is expected to be even more difficult to call before everything changes the following year with new regulations being introduced.

Team principal Frederic Vasseur will want to start working with Hamilton as quickly as possible and a report from journalist Julianne Cerasoli for UOL shares when a Ferrari debut could be on the cards for the 39-year-old.

Hamilton’s arrival at Monza this year gave him a taste of what he can expect when he dons the famous red overalls for the first time, as he admitted in an interview with Formula 1 that the race felt ‘a bit different’ this time around.

The Tifosi will immediately back the seven-time world champion and will hope that alongside Charles Leclerc he can achieve their first title in more than 15 years.

That will be easier said than done with McLaren on an upward trajectory and Red Bull likely to solve their issues sooner rather than later.

Ferrari fans could get their first taste of seeing Hamilton in their car at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

While nothing has been confirmed, it’s something the Italian manufacturer are likely to be pushing hard for.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut at post-season test in Abu Dhabi is ‘on the table’

Talking about Hamilton’s upcoming move, Cerasoli said: “There is a possibility that Hamilton will take part in the test that always takes place immediately after the final round of the year in Abu Dhabi for Ferrari.

“This has not been confirmed by either party at this time, but it is on the table.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

When asked about whether he’s had any communication with Ferrari, Hamilton said: “Ultimately, any information I would receive this year will not impact next year because I am not in communication [with Ferrari].

“Nothing passes back and forth until I start the season next year and it takes time to develop things.”

It wouldn’t be the first time this arrangement has been agreed between two teams.

Fernando Alonso made his Aston Martin debut at the end of the 2022 season before his fantastic start to life with the team the following year.

He achieved six podiums in his first eight races and Hamilton wouldn’t be upset if he matched that record in 2025.

Toto Wolff on the ‘extraordinary’ consequences of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari

While there is plenty of excitement in Ferrari’s section of the paddock about Hamilton’s arrival, it leaves Mercedes preparing for a new era in the sport.

Toto Wolff explained that there are ‘extraordinary consequences’ to Hamilton leaving the team and that includes their search for a new driver.

After months of deliberation, it was decided that Kimi Antonelli would be promoted into Hamilton’s seat.

It gives George Russell a new role as the team’s leading driver, but the pressure will be on to outperform the 18-year-old, particularly with his contract set to expire at the end of 2025.

Whether Hamilton is given a chance to drive his new Ferrari in Abu Dhabi is yet to be seen.

However, the team may decide that a more public forum where more fans can attend may make more sense, with the Tifosi itching to see a world champion in their car for the first time since Sebastian Vettel.