Record world champion hits mileage limit: Why Hamilton can’t test for Ferrari until Bahrain as testing comes to a temporary halt – Since officially joining Ferrari at the beginning of January, Lewis Hamilton has wasted no time in getting to grips with his new team. The seven-time F1 World Champion has been putting in extensive test kilometres with the Scuderia, much to the delight of Ferrari fans. However, Hamilton’s testing has now come to an abrupt end – at least until the official pre-season tests in Bahrain at the end of February.
Ferrari fans, the passionate Tifosi, have been thrilled to see Hamilton don the iconic red racing gear, and his early outings with the team have generated considerable excitement. From his first run at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track to his more high-profile sessions in Barcelona, the British driver has been the focus of media and fan attention. Notably, he and new team-mate Charles Leclerc recently took part in Pirelli’s 2026 tyre testing programme, adding to the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s Ferrari debut.
However, despite all the momentum building around his move to Ferrari, Hamilton will not be back behind the wheel for the team until the official pre-season test in Bahrain on 26-28 February. Contrary to speculation, this break is not related to his previous crash in the SF-23, but rather to the mileage restrictions imposed by the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.
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TPC rules: Why Hamilton’s testing window closed early
Formula One regulations strictly control how much testing drivers can do outside of the official pre-season and in-season testing. The Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) rule allows teams to use cars that are at least two years old to help their drivers get used to new machinery, particularly in cases like Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. However, this form of testing comes with a clear mileage cap.
Under the current TPC rules, regular drivers are limited to a maximum of 1,000 kilometres, spread over four designated test days. Hamilton has now exceeded this limit, meaning he will not be allowed to do any more testing in Ferrari’s older cars before the Bahrain test.
Hamilton’s first Ferrari outings were primarily in the SF-23, Ferrari’s 2023 challenger, to familiarise himself with the team’s operations and driving dynamics. However, having completed his allotted mileage, he now faces a waiting period before returning to the track with his new team in the 2025-spec SF-25 in Bahrain.
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A necessary restriction: FIA tightens testing loopholes
The FIA’s strict mileage restrictions on TPC sessions stem from past instances of teams exploiting these sessions to gain a competitive advantage. Historically, teams have used older cars to refine set-ups and gather data that could provide valuable insights into their latest designs.
In recent seasons, controversy over testing has prompted the FIA to clamp down on potential loopholes. One notable case was Max Verstappen’s controversial private testing session in 2024, which led to scrutiny over whether teams were using TPC sessions to circumvent official testing restrictions. In response, the governing body introduced additional restrictions, further tightening the scope of TPC testing.
For Hamilton, these regulations mean that, despite his enthusiasm and Ferrari’s eagerness to maximise his adaptation period, he must now suspend his track activities until the Bahrain tests.
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Hamilton’s next test: Official pre-season sessions in Bahrain
Although Hamilton’s private testing is over for now, he will return to action at the official Formula One pre-season tests in Bahrain. Unlike the TPC sessions, these tests allow the teams to run their latest cars and the drivers can complete as many laps as time permits within the allocated testing windows.
In Bahrain, pre-season testing takes place over three days, with each day divided into two four-hour sessions. The only restriction on mileage is the amount of track time available, meaning Hamilton will have plenty of opportunity to fine-tune his understanding of the SF-25.
This will be his first real chance to push Ferrari’s 2025 contender to its limits and provide valuable feedback ahead of the season opener.
A temporary setback, not a major concern
While Hamilton’s current testing hiatus may seem like an inconvenience, it is more of a procedural hurdle than a setback in his transition to Ferrari. The mileage restrictions are in place to ensure fair play and prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage through excessive private testing.
For Hamilton, the real test begins in Bahrain, where he will finally get behind the wheel of the SF-25 in an official capacity. With expectations high and Ferrari fans eagerly awaiting his competitive debut, all eyes will be on the British driver as he begins a new chapter with the Prancing Horse.
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