Lewis Hamilton has mixed feelings about missing the Abu Dhabi test as he joins Ferrari. Due to prior commitments with Mercedes, he will not test the car and prefers a less public debut. Ferrari plans to have him run a previous car in January for acclimatization before the season starts.
Lewis Hamilton expressed mixed feelings about not participating in the post-season Abu Dhabi F1 test with Ferrari, an opportunity he admits would have helped his transition to the team. He recently signed with Ferrari after leaving Mercedes and had been approached by team principal Fred Vasseur for a test run. However, due to prior commitments to promotional events for Mercedes, Hamilton was unavailable. Despite his eagerness to start with Ferrari, he prefers a less public debut away from media scrutiny. Hamilton revealed, “Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi does not excite me. In a perfect world, you get to drive it, not be seen, and do the first rollout next year.” Ferrari plans to have him test a previous car in January, which, along with some pre-season testing, Vasseur believes will sufficiently prepare Hamilton for the new season.
In conclusion, while Hamilton regrets missing the Abu Dhabi test as it complicates his preparation for the new season, he maintains a focus on getting acclimated with Ferrari in due time.
Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari marks a significant change in his F1 career. As a seven-time champion, transitioning to a new team poses challenges, particularly in adjusting to a new car. The Abu Dhabi test offered an opportunity for this acclimatization, but Hamilton’s obligations to Mercedes promotional events prevented his participation. Ferrari intends to facilitate his introduction with tests in January, ensuring he is prepared for the upcoming season.
Hamilton’s desire for a smoother, more private introductory experience with Ferrari reflects his commitment to the team and future goals. Although missing the Abu Dhabi test is a setback, Ferrari’s planned testing schedule aims to accelerate his familiarization with the car and team dynamics, ultimately preparing him for the new season.
Original Source: www.autosport.com