Hamilton completes latest Ferrari run in Barcelona with more tra…read more
Hamilton completes latest Ferrari run in Barcelona with more tra…read more
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton continued his transition to Ferrari with a private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Following his recent switch from Mercedes after 12 seasons, Hamilton took to the track in a 2023-spec Ferrari for an afternoon session. This marked his second outing with the team, having completed 30 laps at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit earlier in the acclimatization program.
At Barcelona, Hamilton shared testing duties with teammate Charles Leclerc, who drove during the morning session. Both drivers are set to get additional track time over the next two days, depending on weather conditions. These private sessions are designed to help Hamilton familiarize himself with Ferrari’s race operations and adjust to his new surroundings, including cockpit ergonomics, pedal feel, and steering wheel settings.
As per Formula 1 regulations, Ferrari’s private tests are restricted under TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) rules, which limit mileage for race drivers to 1,000 kilometers. Prior to this test, Ferrari had around 800 kilometers of that allocation remaining. Hamilton’s laps at Barcelona are a key step in ensuring he feels at home with the team ahead of the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, Ferrari will return to Barcelona on February 4 and 5 for a Pirelli tyre test focused on developing compounds for the 2026 season. McLaren will join them for the program, though it remains unclear which drivers will participate. Hamilton is expected to get additional time behind the wheel, potentially driving a modified version of Ferrari’s 2024 car to meet Pirelli’s testing requirements.
Both Hamilton and Leclerc will have their first opportunity to drive Ferrari’s 2025 car at the team’s official launch at Fiorano on February 19. This event follows Ferrari’s F1 75 official season launch, set to take place at The O2 in London on February 18.
These testing sessions are critical for Hamilton as he transitions to a new team environment after his long and successful tenure at Mercedes. The partnership between the British driver and Ferrari has generated significant excitement, with fans eager to see how Hamilton adapts to Ferrari’s operations and what the future holds for the iconic team.
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