Lewis Hamilton Crashes Ferrari During Pre-Season Testing....

Lewis Hamilton Crashes Ferrari During Pre-Season Testing….read more

Lewis Hamilton was involved in a crash while testing Ferrari’s 2023 car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, during the team’s pre-season testing. The incident occurred on Wednesday, marking Hamilton’s second day behind the wheel of the Ferrari. Fortunately, Hamilton was unharmed in the crash.

Hamilton, who is transitioning from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, lost control of the car during the testing session. He was sharing the car with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc at the time of the incident. Ferrari chose not to comment on the crash but maintained that such events are expected as part of the learning process for Hamilton as he adapts to a new team and car.

This crash is being viewed by Ferrari as a normal part of Hamilton’s adjustment phase. Having spent 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton is still getting acquainted with the handling and characteristics of the Ferrari 2023 car. Ferrari’s primary focus now is to integrate Hamilton into their systems and processes, which will be crucial for maximizing his performance ahead of the 2025 F1 season. The team remains confident that Hamilton’s experience and skill will help him adapt to the new car in due course.

In line with F1’s strict testing regulations, Ferrari’s testing program for the 2023 car is limited. Drivers are allowed to complete only up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of testing with the previous car models (TPC). Before this session in Barcelona, Hamilton had already completed 30 laps at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track on January 22. Afterward, he joined Leclerc for a three-day testing program at the Spanish circuit, which allowed them to continue evaluating Ferrari’s car and refining their teamwork.

Given the tight testing restrictions in F1, drivers must quickly familiarize themselves with a new team and car under limited circumstances. While Ferrari has not disclosed further details about their testing schedule, it is clear that Hamilton is working closely with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Establishing a strong working relationship with Adami will be key for Hamilton’s smooth transition into the Ferrari team.

Looking ahead, Ferrari plans to unveil their 2025 car at Fiorano on February 19, following the official F1 season launch event in London on February 18. Before the official launch, Hamilton will participate in additional testing sessions with Ferrari, including a Pirelli tire test. On February 4-5, Ferrari will run a modified 2025 car at the Barcelona circuit, designed to incorporate the upcoming 2026 regulations. This testing will help Pirelli refine its 2026 tire specifications, similar to a Pirelli tire test McLaren is conducting at Paul Ricard in France this week.

As Hamilton continues to adapt to his new team, Ferrari’s goal is to ensure that the seven-time world champion can make a seamless transition and perform at his best when the 2025 F1 season begins. The team is committed to helping Hamilton get the most out of the Ferrari car and ensuring he is fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. The crash during testing is just a part of the process as he becomes familiar with the car and his new role within Ferrari.