The Lewis Hamilton era begins at Ferrari but can it be a Formula 1 title-winning year for the Maranello outfit?

We're a week into 2025, and with preseason testing still seven weeks away, ESPN unpacks the storylines that will define Formula 1 this year.

The first time Hamilton dons the famous red Ferrari colors and gets behind the wheel of one of its F1 cars will be the moment he has longed for throughout his career. It is also set to be a relatively low-key event.

Lewis Hamilton's "phobia of losing" has been credited as the biggest driving force behind success by Mercedes' Andrew Shovlin.

Lewis Hamilton will make his competitive Ferrari debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March, but the Italians have an extensive testing plan in place for before then

It can also suit the promoters. Zandvoort’s decision to stop hosting F1 after 2026 points to the pressures — and costs — involved in staging a race. Spa looked in serious doubt just a few years ago, and while the interest from the local stakeholders has certainly taken an uplift since then, a couple of off years may actually suit the track.

What do we know so far about the 2025 Ferrari car he will be driving? And what does history tell us about F1 champions who make late-

Hamilton’s first Ferrari outings will come under the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars), which enables teams to run a used car that is at least two years old to complete a maximum of 1000km over four days.

According to a report from Autosport, Hamilton will enjoy his first on-track action for Ferrari on January 20th or 21st. Fred Vasseur’s team reportedly plan to use their entire 1,000km TPC allocation on their new recruit in January, giving the 39-year-old the best possible start to life in Maranello.

Ferrari plan to give Lewis Hamilton the maximum amount of time they can behind the wheel of their machinery to help him hit the ground running when the new F1 season begins