F1 news: Lewis Hamilton called Sebastian Vettel ahead of Ferrari testing debut
Lewis Hamilton stepped into Ferrari’s iconic red for the first time at a private test in Fiorano on Wednesday.
According to reports from Italian outlet Corriere Della Sera, Hamilton “called Vettel on the phone in recent weeks to prepare for his first day” at Ferrari.
Vettel, a former Ferrari driver, was Hamilton's rival throughout his Red Bull Racing years and later during his time in Rosso Corsa.
Although the two multiple world champions were rivals across different eras, the pair became friends, with Hamilton recently calling him his greatest “ally” and “the best world champion” he knows.
A legacy of advice
Given their friendship and Vettel’s extensive experience with the Scuderia, it’s no surprise that Hamilton reached out for guidance ahead of his Ferrari debut.
Vettel, who raced for Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, left a lasting impression on both the team and his former teammate Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate for the 2025 season, has often spoken about the invaluable advice he received from Vettel during their time together.
The Brit who also values the four-time world champion’s opinion will be looking to also do what Vettel couldn’t achieve as a Ferrari driver - ending Ferrari’s title drought.
Speaking about Hamilton’s ambitions with the Scuderia, former F1 driver and Australian GP steward Johnny Herbert said to Casinoutanspelpaus.io: “Hamilton is definitely hungry enough for the title now, it's down to Fred Vasseur to give him the car that he can actually achieve in.
“2025 is a good opportunity for Ferrari to improve from what they had in 2024, and come with a much more competitive package for 2025.
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First time in red
The former Mercedes driver was behind the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time on an early and foggy Wednesday morning at the Fiorano test track.
Hamilton drove Ferrari’s 2023 package, the SF-23, in the private test attended by his entire family, and his recently reunited physio, Angela Cullen present.
After 12 remarkable seasons with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton ushered in this new era on Monday by saying: “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.
“Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”
Hamilton’s first race as a Ferrari driver is set to take place in Melbourne, Australia on March 16.
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