Mercedes address Hamilton Ferrari test denial

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has explained why Lewis Hamilton can’t drive for Ferrari in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. 

It is common for a driver to test for their new team in the post-season event, with outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz stepping into the Williams seat ahead of his switch next year.

It was debated whether Hamilton would be granted permission by Mercedes to test for Ferrari at the Yas Marina Circuit; however, Frederic Vasseur has not even enquired about it. 

This is due to the Ferrari boss recognising that the seven-time world champion has a contract with the Silver Arrows.

When asked whether he was upset that Ferrari would not be able to run Hamilton in the test, Vasseur said: “No, no. They have a contract. They have a contract so I’ve not even asked Toto to do something.”

As revealed by Wolff, Hamilton has “contractual agreements” to respect, ruling him out of the post-season test. 

Wolff explained that the 39-year-old did ask whether it would be possible to test for Ferrari in Abu Dhabi, before it was outlined to the seven-time world champion that it was off the cards.

“Fred didn’t ask. I think it’s a difference also if you’re maybe going to Williams, but we have contractual agreements with sponsors,” explained Wolff. 

“We’re having a farewell for Lewis. We’re having lots of activities that are planned. And him and I, we spoke about it shortly, and he said, I guess that’s not going to work. 

“I don’t think it’s going to work. And that was the whole thing. So I don’t think Fred is particularly sad.”