After Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc also hits the track: Fiorano tests and more. Charles Leclerc will also be on track at Fiorano on January 22, taking over the car from Lewis Hamilton.

The 2025 season is just around the corner, set to kick off in roughly two months in Melbourne. The post-season tests at Yas Marina, following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offered a preview of 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 with Haas. At the wheel for Ferrari was Charles Leclerc (conducting tire tests), while the other Ferrari was entrusted to Arthur Leclerc and Antonio Fuoco for rookie tests, giving the reserves a chance to drive a real car.

Lewis Hamilton Ready for His Debut
Not everyone, however, had the opportunity to acclimate to their new surroundings. Among them is Lewis Hamilton, who did not participate in the test with either his former team Mercedes or his new team Ferrari. The seven-time world champion was not given clearance to begin working with Scuderia Ferrari before the expiration of his Mercedes contract on December 31. As a result, his first drive in a Ferrari will take place in the coming days, officially marking his status as a Ferrari driver. His debut, as exclusively reported by Formula1.it on December 13, is scheduled to take place in the 2022 F1-75 on January 21-22 at Fiorano, utilizing the “Test of Previous Cars” program Ferrari has organized.

Charles Leclerc Also on Track
It should be noted that the schedule is subject to changes due to unfavorable weather conditions or adjustments to events during this complex period. This test will provide the seven-time champion with a chance to familiarize himself with the Maranello team, the steering wheel, procedures, and track personnel. However, Lewis Hamilton won’t be the only one shaking off the rust after the offseason. According to our sources, Charles Leclerc will also be on track at Fiorano on January 22, taking over the car from Sir Lewis.

Additionally, Lewis Hamilton’s testing program will continue with a second session at the end of January in Barcelona, where Ferrari has reserved the track for three days. This session will likely involve both drivers, either with two cars or by alternating them on the same car. The goal is to help them regain optimal form ahead of the winter tests in Bahrain and to allow them to familiarize themselves with each other, providing a general rehearsal for the partnership that will see them share the Ferrari garage for the next two years.