Lewis Hamilton prepares for Ferrari SF-25 in Bahrain

Lewis Hamilton prepares for Ferrari SF-25 debut at Bahrain testing.

Lewis Hamilton is set to make his much-anticipated debut in the new Ferrari SF-25 as Formula 1 kicks off three crucial days of testing in Bahrain on Wednesday. The seven-time world champion, who switched from Mercedes at the end of last season, will have the opportunity to gauge his performance against his new team and rivals.

At age 40, Hamilton will also compare his lap times with those of teammate Charles Leclerc. This test session is the only one preceding the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which marks the start of the 24-race season on March 16. It will also serve as the first season-opener for six of the 20 drivers.

Expectations are high for Hamilton in what promises to be an enthralling year filled with compelling storylines. Speaking about his transition to Ferrari, Hamilton expressed, "This is where I'm supposed to be."

Though he has already driven the SF-25 for a filming day and worn the iconic red overalls in older Ferrari cars, Wednesday will be his first official session with Ferrari running alongside competitors. The last time Hamilton experienced such a fresh start was when he joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013.

Typically not a fan of testing due to its repetitive tasks and lack of racing excitement, Hamilton seems genuinely excited about this testing session. He even joked about indulging in plenty of pizza since arriving in Italy, but emphasized feeling fitter and more energized than ever as he aims for a record eighth championship title.

Max Verstappen, on his quest for a fifth successive drivers' title, will also be in action, experiencing the new Red Bull RB21 for the first time since the departure of renowned designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin. Verstappen and New Zealander Liam Lawson, who has taken part in 11 races as a stand-in replacement, will share driving duties on Wednesday.

Hamilton's 18-year-old Italian successor at Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, will take turns at the wheel with veteran George Russell. Other rookies to watch include Australian Jack Doohan at Alpine, Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber, Frenchman Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls, and Briton Oliver Bearman at Haas. Although Doohan and Bearman have previously debuted in races, they remain rookies in this context.

Carlos Sainz, who previously held Hamilton's seat at Ferrari, will focus on accumulating laps at Williams. Fans are invited to witness the action on Thursday and Friday as the Sakhir circuit, which will also host the Bahrain Grand Prix in April, opens its doors. The Grand Prix, initially a season-opener last year, has been moved in the 2025 calendar to accommodate Ramadan.

Up Next

• F1 preseason testing: what to expect in Bahrain
• Red Bull unveils new RB21 for 2025 F1 season

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