F1 news: Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut steals spotlight as F1 pre-season testing kicks off in Bahrain
Lewis Hamilton will light up the Bahrain International Circuit with his Ferrari come Wednesday, February 26.
In this article, Sports News Blitz F1 expert Noah Ngcobo breaks down what to expect from the seven-time world champion’s highly anticipated pre-season debut.
Guess who’s back?
The 2025 Formula 1 season has officially shifted into gear as pre-season testing begins at the Bahrain International Circuit, with all eyes firmly fixed on Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated Ferrari debut.
Following a glamorous season launch in London last week, the grid is finally hitting the track in what could be a defining moment for both the seven-time world champion and the iconic Italian team.
This week’s three-day test, running from Wednesday, February 26 to Friday, February 28 offers teams their only chance at unrestricted track time before the season’s curtain-raiser in Melbourne from March 14-16.
Each day consists of two four-hour sessions, providing drivers and engineers a crucial window to fine-tune their machinery.
For Hamilton, though, this isn’t just another shakedown - it’s the beginning of a bold new chapter.
READ MORE: F1 news: Lewis Hamilton finds fresh confidence after driving new Ferrari
A new era for Hamilton in red
After 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has generated seismic waves across the F1 landscape.
The transition is arguably the most high-profile move of the modern era, pairing the sport’s most successful driver with its most storied team.
However, adapting to life in the scarlet red SF-25 will be no small feat.
The seven-time world champion has acknowledged the challenge ahead, recognising the limited time available to familiarise himself with Ferrari’s new car.
Unlike his previous team changes, where extensive pre-season testing allowed for deeper acclimatisation, the Brit now has just one and a half days of actual running to get comfortable behind the wheel.
His initial laps at Fiorano last week were restricted by demonstration tyres and mileage caps, meaning Bahrain marks his first real opportunity to push the limits of the SF-25.
Chasing the eighth title: Is Ferrari’s magic the key?
Despite the steep learning curve, the former Mercedes driver remains optimistic about his title chances with Ferrari.
He hinted at the "magic" within the Maranello camp that could propel him toward the elusive eighth world championship.
While mindful of how fiercely competitive the grid has become under current regulations, Hamilton praised Ferrari’s storied legacy and winning DNA, suggesting that the ingredients for success are already in place.
"I've got a great team-mate and the energy within the team feels electric," the Brit said. "There’s magic here, and I’m hopeful we can make it count this season."
Yet, the road to championship glory won’t be easy.
Defending champion Max Verstappen, along with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Hamilton’s new teammate Charles Leclerc, are all seen as formidable challengers in what is expected to be a tightly contested season.
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A crucial testing ground before the Melbourne opener
This year's testing carries extra significance, with the Australian Grand Prix reclaiming its spot as the season opener due to Ramadan’s scheduling shift.
Bahrain, which has traditionally hosted the first race, now serves as a vital testing ground where teams can gauge their competitiveness before the real action begins.
The Bahrain International Circuit offers a balanced blend of long straights and challenging corners, providing teams with invaluable data.
With just three days of track time before the lights go out in Melbourne, every lap counts, especially for Hamilton as he works to integrate into Ferrari’s intricate systems and strategies.
The beginning of a defining season
As the engines roar to life in Bahrain, all eyes are on Hamilton’s Ferrari debut - an event already shaping up to be the central storyline of the 2025 pre-season.
Whether this marks the dawn of another championship run for the British legend or presents a new set of challenges remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the road to Formula 1 glory in 2025 starts now, and Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is set to be the headline story every step of the way.
