At Mercedes it stings so much that Lewis Hamilton is going to Ferrari that they want to put all possible obstacles on him, and that could harm Carlos Sainz

The heat of battle in this 2024 Formula 1 season is being so intense that some may have forgotten the great time bomb that is scheduled for 2025. Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes after twelve seasons to sign for Ferrari, and preparations are already underway.

In fact, Mercedes and Ferrari are already settling the first battle. Although it seems that there will be little fighting. Ferrari wants Hamilton to get into the car now in Abu Dhabias is usual with new signings, but Mercedes is willing to make Hamilton fulfill his contract until December 31.

Mercedes refuses to let Hamilton test the Ferrari before December 31

In recent years it has been common practice for new signings to debut their new cars at the Yas Marina test, which is usually held immediately after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last of the season. And that is the same Ferrari’s intention with Lewis Hamiltonbut it’s not going to be that simple.

To be sure, Mercedes’ intention is radically opposite. They want that Hamilton fulfills his contract until the very last dayThat is, until December 31, 2024, despite the fact that the World Cup ends on December 8. The formal reason is that there are promotional events that happen, but in the background there is another good reason.

The Abu Dhabi test will take place on Tuesday, December 10, and is more important than it seems. With a preseason as compressed as the current one, it is essential for the drivers to be able to get into their new cars. not so much for sporting reasons, but ergonomic onesto better know and understand where everything is and work on the pilot’s comfort.

In recent years it has been completely common for teams to allow their drivers to do the Abu Dhabi test with their new team. Even in complicated divorces like that of Fernando Alonso with Alpinethe French team did allow the Spaniard to adapt to the Aston Martin in this Abu Dhabi test.

Mercedes’ refusal will not only force Hamilton and Ferrari to lose a day, or at least a few hours, in the 2025 preseason, but it could have a domino effect that harms Carlos Sainz. Because this pact of harmony between teams is broken, Ferrari could also prevent Sainz from testing the Williams.

What is clear is that Mercedes is not going to make it any easier for Hamilton Have a quick adaptation to Ferrari. In 2025 they could be rivals.