Lewis Hamilton made a surprising appearance at the Jerez Circuit in Spain on Monday, February 5th, marking his first return to the track with Mercedes since his announcement of leaving the team at the end of the 2024 season to join Ferrari.
This move has sent shockwaves through 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, with both teams focusing on evaluating the 2025 Formula 1 tires provided by Pirelli.
This collaboration is a part of Pirelli’s tire development program, which aims to prepare for the upcoming season.
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Notably, the test does not involve data sharing with the teams, serving solely as a means to assist Pirelli in enhancing tire performance.
Hamilton, along with his current Mercedes teammate George Russell, is actively participating in the test, providing valuable feedback to the tire manufacturer.
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso represents Aston Martin at the event, contributing his insights to the tire testing efforts.
Pirelli initiated its tire testing for the 2025 season last month in partnership with Ferrari.
This ongoing collaboration signifies 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 serve as a vital component in ensuring the safety and performance of tires for Formula 1 races.
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While Lewis Hamilton’s appearance at the Jerez Circuit has captured attention, fans can anticipate his return to the racetrack later this month.
Hamilton 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 has set the stage for an intriguing and competitive season ahead.