Lewis Hamilton will test a Ferrari F1 car for the first time early next year, with a drive at the 2024 Abu Dhabi post-season test ruled out.

The seven-time F1 world champion will quit Mercedes after 12 years at the end of the season, with only three races remaining before joining the Scuderia in 2025.

Some drivers participate in a post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit with junior drivers in the days following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 8th.

However, Hamilton has commitments lined up with Mercedes sponsor Petronas straight after Abu Dhabi, meaning he will have to wait until 2025 to drive in the scarlet red.

Yet Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur revealed Hamilton’s first runs are likely to be one of the team’s “Testing of Previous Cars” (TPC) days prior to the 2025 season starting.

“I’m not sure that he needs tons of hours of acclimatisation,” Vasseur told Autosport.

“He is experienced enough to be quick on the first day, or at least very soon. We’ll have one or two TPC days, plus the test in Bahrain, and that will be enough.”

Hamilton’s TPC day is set to take place at the Fiorano Circuit next to Ferrari’s HQ in Maranello, Italy.

Ferrari’s 2022 challenger, the F1-75, would be the most likely car for Hamilton to drive given TPC rules.

Vasseur added: “For sure we have part of the team already focusing on ’25, on the test plan, on the communication and so, with Lewis being part of this.

“But not on the race team and it’s not on my mind.”

Ferrari are currently battling for the constructors’ title and are 36 points behind McLaren ahead of the next race in Las Vegas.

Hamilton, meanwhile, is on track for his worst season in F1 in terms of championship position. He currently lies seventh, two points behind Mercedes teammate George Russell.