Lewis Hamilton surprised the Formula 1 world with his announcement of joining Ferrari, marking his first return to the track with Mercedes at the Jerez Circuit in Spain on Monday, February 5th. This move has caused a stir in the Formula 1 community as the seven-time World Champion embarks on a new chapter in his racing career alongside Charles Leclerc at the Italian team, ending a highly successful era with Mercedes.
The testing session at the Jerez Circuit has brought together Mercedes and Aston Martin, as both teams evaluate the 2025 Formula 1 tires provided by Pirelli. This collaboration is part of Pirelli’s tire development program, which aims to prepare for the upcoming season. The test does not involve data sharing with the teams, solely assisting Pirelli in improving tire performance.
Hamilton and his current Mercedes teammate George Russell are actively participating in the test, providing valuable feedback to the tire manufacturer. Fernando Alonso represents Aston Martin at the event, contributing his insights to the tire testing efforts.
Pirelli began its tire testing for the 2025 season last month in partnership with Ferrari. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates Pirelli’s commitment as the exclusive tire supplier for Formula 1, a role it will maintain until at least the conclusion of the 2024 season. These tests are crucial in ensuring the safety and performance of tires for Formula 1 races.
While Hamilton’s appearance at the Jerez Circuit has garnered attention, fans can look forward to his return to the racetrack later this month. He is scheduled to participate in pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, providing a glimpse of his continued partnership with Mercedes in the 2024 season before his transition to the Scuderia Ferrari team. As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, Hamilton’s move sets the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.