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

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 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

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.

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-

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

1992 F1 world champion Nigel Mansell believes Lewis Hamilton “has got another championship in him” and has backed him to have a “total resurgence”. Hamilton will make his Ferrari F1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March. The 39-year-old will be hoping to rediscover his previous form after a disappointing final year with Mercedes.

Hamilton's shock move to Ferrari, where he will officially make his race debut at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, was announced nearly a year ago and he will go into the new year with a realistic hope that he can finally challenge for a record eighth world championship.