Mercedes F1 Explains Hamilton’s Ferrari Test Absence
Giancarlo Perlas November 28, 2024- Lewis Hamilton won’t be test driving for Ferrari after the Abu Dhabi GP due to his contractual commitments with Mercedes F1.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff clarified why Lewis Hamilton will not be participating in Ferrari’s post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While it’s customary for drivers transferring to other teams to test their new cars during this event—like Carlos Sainz transitioning to Williams—Hamilton’s situation somehow differs due to current contractual commitments with the three-pointed star marque.
No Formal Request from Ferrari to Mercedes F1
It so happened that Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur never approached Mercedes F1 to request Hamilton’s participation in the test drive for their 2025 car. He confirmed it in an interview and explained that it was not possible due to the seven-time world champion’s binding contract with Mercedes.
“They have a contract, so I’ve not even asked Toto to do something,” Vasseur stated.
Mercedes F1 Contractual Limitations and Farewell Activities
According to Wolff’s interview with RacingNews365, Hamilton asked his team earlier if he would be allowed test drive for Ferrari. However, his crucial participation in Mercedes’ sponsorship commitments and planned farewell events overlapped with the Ferrari affair.
Wolff stated that Hamilton quickly understood the logistical and contractual constraints, leading to a mutual agreement that the test wouldn’t be feasible. The Mercedes boss also noted that the situation would have differed if Hamilton had been in a smaller team, such as Williams, where fewer external obligations might have existed.
It should be noted that Mercedes F1 had long-standing ties with the Williams team, which made several compromises between them possible in the past. Mercedes is currently William’s engine partner.
No Ill Feelings from Ferrari
Vasseur harbored no ill feelings despite missing the opportunity to have Hamilton behind the wheel in one of their important events before the next season. He cited the unspoken understanding between the teams and the utmost consideration of their obligations to sponsors as enough reason to go on with the test without their newest acquisition for the 2025 season.
