When Lewis Hamilton is likely to make ‘long-awaited’ Ferrari debut after Mercedes block Abu Dhabi test

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There is so much to be excited about heading into the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, but one storyline could dominate next season’s headlines.

It’s uncommon that a Formula 1 world champion switches teams these days, but Lewis Hamilton has finally decided it’s time to move on in 2025 after more than a decade with Mercedes.

After years of fans wondering if Hamilton would ever drive for Ferrari before walking away from the sport, he’ll make his debut for F1’s most successful team next year alongside Charles Leclerc.

Ferrari have three race victories under their belt this year and Red Bull’s second-place position in the Constructors’ Championship is in their sights, although catching leaders McLaren might be a step too far.

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

With F1’s regulations unlikely to change drastically until the new ruleset is introduced in 2026, the tweaks and minor updates Ferrari make over the winter and during pre-season testing are going to be key to their success next year.

Journalist Pedro Fermin Flores wrote on his blog about Hamilton’s impending debut for Ferrari and when he’s likely to drive for the team for the first time.

There was a suggestion that Hamilton could make his debut during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, similar to how Fernando Alonso drove for Aston Martin for the first time in 2022.

However, Mercedes have blocked Hamilton from taking part in Ferrari’s Abu Dhabi testing program, meaning he’ll have to wait until 2025 to jump into the car that’s likely to be named the SF-25.

When Lewis Hamilton is likely to drive for Ferrari for the first time after Mercedes block Abu Dhabi test

Talking about Hamilton’s upcoming start to life at Red Bull, Flores said: “Hamilton is under contract with Mercedes until the end of the year, and the team is clear that the Briton cannot test for Ferrari at the end of the season, as they have a lot of promotional and farewell work to do after 12 years together and 18 driving cars with Mercedes engines.

“If Hamilton was allowed to drive for Ferrari for the first time, it would have been a momentous occasion.

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

“Given that Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari has attracted the attention of the entire sporting world, it would have been a historic moment for the Maranello-based brand in particular.

“And that has been appreciated by the German firm’s management in particular.

“We are now unlikely to see Hamilton in Ferrari red until he can drive a season-long car at the team’s Fiorano circuit in 2025 during Lewis’ long-awaited debut.”

Lewis Hamilton looking forward to the US Grand Prix despite recent Mercedes struggles

Before Hamilton makes his debut for Ferrari, he’s still got six race weekends left at Mercedes where he’ll want to try and add to his two victories this season.

An emotional win at Silverstone was followed by inheriting victory from George Russell at Spa and have at least given him two moments to savour during his final campaign with the team after going nearly 1000 days without standing on the top step of the podium.

Mercedes have had the fourth-fastest car on the grid for much of the year, with performance seeming to differ from session to session and on different tyre compounds during a race weekend.

Hamilton has admitted he’s looking forward to the United States Grand Prix when Mercedes – alongside many of their rivals – will bring their final major update of the year.

Some of Hamilton’s best battles of his career have taken place in Austin and he has five wins under his belt at the Circuit of the Americas.

He would love to add a sixth to that tally in front of a crowd who adore the seven-time world champion.