F1 Today | Hamilton's first Ferrari test, plus Hamilton/Leclerc predictions

F1 News

f1 today lewis hamilton completes first ferrari test charles leclerc duel
22 January at 21:00

Testing is finally taking plac for teams in 2025, and there was a huge one today. Lewis Hamilton got behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time today, exciting many people in the world of F1. Find out everything that happened from that test today right here, plus a look at some predictions made at what may happen between the Brit and his new teammate Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton has his first Ferrari test 

For the first time this year, we have finally seen Lewis Hamilton in the iconic red suit of Ferrari, as he took to the track to test for the Scuderia. 30 laps of the Fiorano circuit were done by the seven-time world champion as a part of the TPC test, meaning a car that has been used in F1 before must be used for testing, which is why the Brit was behind the wheel of the SF-23, with many pictures coming from today's running.

Fans came to the track right by the Maranello base for the Prancing Horse, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Hamilton at his new team, with him saying that driving the red car was "one of the best feelings" of his life. Both teammate Charles Leclerc and team principal Frederic Vasseur gave their thoughts on Hamilton's debut, with the Monegasque saying all the excitement around the team is "very motivating," while the French team boss said today was "an emotion feeling."

Predictions made for the Hamilton/Leclerc duel

With Ferrari's test occurring today and seeing both Hamilton and Leclerc on the track for the first time in 2025, there have been some predictions that have been made about who may be the leading driver for Ferrari in the standings come the end of 2025.

Ex-F1 driver, former Sky SPorts pundit, and now FIA steward Johnny Herbert had his say first, not giving too much away on what he thought Leclerc could do against Hamilton as his teammate, but believed that the Brit taking the title would be "the perfect scenario."

However, F1 journalist Peter Windsor had his say on the duel that will take place between the two teammates, and he believes that it will be the Monegasque that will come out on top against Hamilton. That's not to say hat he thinks the seven-time world champion won't take some race wins, but over the course of the season, Windsor believes Leclerc "will have the better of Hamilton."

Williams poach McLaren test driver for 2025

Also in today's news, there was a change in the driver market, with Williams hijacking one of McLaren's test drivers with the new season just a couple of months away.

Oliver Turvey, who had been the test and development driver for McLaren for the past 15 years, will now be making the move to Williams after the James-Vowles-led team signed the Brit. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner will now be doing the majority of his work in the simulator for the British team.

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube