Will Hamilton Drive for Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi Test? Mercedes Responds

Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed remarkable success with Mercedes throughout his career. The seven-time world champion has competed in all 18 of his F1 seasons with Mercedes power, six of those with McLaren and 12 with the Mercedes works team. However, this long-standing partnership will soon come to an end, as Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes will be in Abu Dhabi this December. Despite speculation, fans won’t see him in Ferrari red just yet, as he will not take part in the post-season test at the same circuit.

The successful partnership has delivered 105 victories, 201 podiums, and 104 pole positions over their time in Formula 1. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, announced in February, sent shockwaves through the sport. But how soon will fans see the seven-time world champion with his new team? According to Mercedes, it won’t be this year, as confirmed to GPblog.

No Early Ferrari Debut for Hamilton, Mercedes Confirms

Mercedes has ruled out Hamilton’s participation in the Abu Dhabi post-season test—neither for Mercedes nor for Ferrari. The reason? Hamilton won’t even be in the country. The team confirmed George Russell will take part in the tyre test, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli will participate in the Young Driver test.

Hamilton’s replacement is young Italian star Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 18-year-old will be getting to grips with the 2024 challenger at the end of the season. Lewis Hamilton is under contract with Mercedes until the end of the year, meaning there will still be a fair amount of farewell work before his contract expires. The seven-time world champion will sit out the test, with Mercedes and Ferrari opting for a different lineup.

Source: https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/305238/f1-lewis-hamilton-will-not-drive-for-ferrari-until-2025-says-mercedes-amg.html