Lewis Hamilton will not be racing for Ferrari this year. While his predecessor at Scuderia, Carlos Sainz, will already be stepping into Williams during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton will not don the red racing suit until 2025. According to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, the seven-time world champion will be too busy with all the farewell activities the team has planned.
During a press conference in Las Vegas, Toto Wolff and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur were asked about Lewis Hamilton’s transfer. After twelve seasons with Mercedes, the end of the collaboration is rapidly approaching. However, we will have to wait a bit longer before the British star takes a seat in a Ferrari vehicle. Mercedes is not giving Hamilton the opportunity to test drive with their competitor during the test days in Abu Dhabi.
When asked, Vasseur stated that he is ‘not disappointed’ that Hamilton will only be in action for Ferrari in 2025. “I know he has a binding contract with Mercedes,” the Frenchman explained. “That’s why I didn’t ask Toto (Wolff) about it.” Carlos Sainz, who is being sacrificed for Hamilton, will already be stepping into Williams during the post-season test.
Farewell Party
“I don’t want to block him (Carlos Sainz Jr.) or anything like that,” Vasseur explained. “In this way, I also want to thank him for his professionalism and good cooperation. He could have easily given up last year knowing that he was going to be replaced. That test with Williams was the best way to thank him.”
Toto Wolff finally explained why this does not apply to Lewis Hamilton. “It’s quite a difference with a transfer to Williams,” said the Austrian. “We have contractual agreements with sponsors. Moreover, we are also organizing a farewell party for him – many activities are planned. We briefly discussed a Ferrari test, but he indicated that it would not work. I agreed with that. So, I don’t think Fred (Vasseur) needs to be sad,” he concluded with a laugh.
