A thousand kilometers in 4 days. That is what Lewis Hamilton may have at his disposal to get acclimated to Ferrari’s working strategies earlier than the revealing of the 2025 automobile (subsequent February 19) and the extraordinary schedule that can observe, together with a filming day and three days of collective testing in Bahrain.
In Maranello, they’ve deliberate a “versatile” testing program to make sure the very best climate situations given the restrictions of January. The aim is to safe check days with acceptable monitor situations to finish the long-planned work.
The extremely anticipated debut of the seven-time world champion behind the wheel of a Ferrari (both the 2022 or 2023 automobile) is scheduled on the Fiorano circuit, with the date doubtlessly shifting (relying on climate situations) between January 20 and 21.
In response to data gathered by Motorsport.com, the testing program will proceed within the remaining days of January on the Barcelona circuit, with the hope of discovering milder temperatures. Right here too, Ferrari has secured a multi-day window (not less than 4 days) to reschedule the check in case of unhealthy climate. This measure was deemed crucial as a result of new rules regarding TPC (Testing of Earlier Vehicles), referring to exams with vehicles used not less than two seasons previous to the present one.
On December 11, the FIA printed a brand new model of the sporting rules with a number of updates, together with a paragraph regulating TPC exams. Clause ‘g’ of Article 10.2 introduces new limits: if a TPC check is performed by a driver taking part within the F1 World Championship, they’re topic to restrictions on distance and length. A most distance of 1,000 kilometers per calendar 12 months has been launched, which may solely be accomplished over a most of 4 check days. For drivers not registered within the F1 World Championship, the check days improve to twenty, with no mileage limits.
For Lewis Hamilton, each lap can be essential, particularly now that mileage has been capped. The restriction launched by the FIA adopted complaints raised final 12 months by some groups after exams performed inside the guidelines however exterior the spirit of the rules.
One of the crucial mentioned instances was a check day organized final June by Pink Bull on the Imola circuit, the place Max Verstappen took to the monitor with the 2022 automobile for some technical checks, clashing with the unique objective of TPC exams: to supply a possibility for drivers needing to familiarize themselves with the dealing with of an F1 automobile and dealing strategies.
The 1,000 kilometers allowed by the rules present a driver the prospect to acclimate and turn out to be accustomed to the working system, a situation relevant to Lewis Hamilton in addition to any driver getting ready to debut with a brand new group.
Lewis Hamilton may have 4 days during which the group will do its utmost to facilitate his integration, after which, ranging from the primary check day in Bahrain with the 2025 automobile, the main focus will shift to efficiency.