Lewis Hamilton to test with Ferrari for Pirelli this week

Lewis Hamilton is set to drive a Ferrari F1 car for the first time this week, participating in a Pirelli wet-weather tire test at the team's Fiorano circuit alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. The test, scheduled for April 9-10, is a deliberate move by the tire supplier, which requested Ferrari's race drivers for their expert feedback on the 2024 car.

Why it matters:

This marks a significant and symbolic step in Hamilton's high-profile transition from Mercedes to Ferrari, scheduled for 2025. While it's an official Pirelli test, it provides the seven-time champion with invaluable early seat time in a Ferrari environment and begins the critical process of integrating him with the team's engineering crew and operational procedures.

The details:

• The test is a dedicated Pirelli session focused on wet-weather tire development, requiring the track to be artificially soaked.
• Pirelli specifically requested Ferrari's race drivers—not reserve drivers—to participate, valuing their precise feedback and familiarity with the current car's behavior.
• Ferrari is expected to conduct another test later this month at Monza, reportedly to trial an improved version of its power unit under the guise of a 'filming day,' which allows for up to 200 kilometers of running.

What's next:

The Fiorano test is a controlled first step in a long preparation phase. All eyes will now be on the potential Monza test later this month to see if Hamilton or Leclerc are again tasked with driving duties. These sessions collectively serve as a low-key but crucial foundation for Hamilton's 2025 campaign, allowing for early technical familiarization long before his official race debut in red.