JUST IN: Ferrari Clarifies Lewis Hamilton’s Crash During TPC Testin

Ferrari Clarifies Lewis Hamilton’s Crash During TPC Testing in Barcelona

Ferrari has provided an update following Lewis Hamilton’s crash during TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) sessions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, attributing the incident to the seven-time world champion pushing the car beyond its limits. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season after a long and successful stint with Mercedes, was on track in a 2023-spec Ferrari SF-23 when the crash occurred.

The Scuderia explained that Hamilton lost connection with the car while pushing its boundaries, causing him to lose control and ultimately resulting in the crash. Fortunately, Ferrari views such incidents as part of the learning process, especially during private test sessions where the team is aiming to gather as much data as possible before the new season begins.

Testing Under TPC Regulations

As part of the acclimatization process following his switch to Ferrari, Hamilton has been undergoing a series of private tests under TPC regulations, which allow teams to run cars from previous seasons for testing purposes. These sessions are valuable for the drivers and team engineers alike, as they provide an opportunity to fine-tune the car’s setup and help drivers adapt to the car’s characteristics without the pressure of a race weekend.

Ferrari’s team principal, Frédéric Vasseur, downplayed the significance of the crash, emphasizing that the goal of the test is to push the car to its limits to identify areas of improvement. He reassured fans and media that these incidents are part of the normal testing process, where drivers explore different setups and configurations.

“Crashes are part of pushing the limits, especially during testing,” Vasseur said. “This is exactly why we conduct these TPC sessions—to push the car, test boundaries, and gather critical data. It’s better for this to happen in a test environment where we can analyze what went wrong and correct it before the start of the season.”

Hamilton Pushing Hard to Adapt to Ferrari

For Hamilton, these tests represent an important step in adjusting to Ferrari’s cars, which feature different handling characteristics compared to the Mercedes machines he spent over a decade driving. Hamilton has been vocal about needing to adapt to the braking performance and general behavior of the Ferrari, and the team is working closely with him to ensure he feels comfortable and confident heading into the new season.

The crash occurred as Hamilton was completing a series of high-speed laps aimed at pushing the car’s performance envelope. According to the team, the crash was not caused by any mechanical failure but rather by Hamilton pushing the car to its absolute limits. This approach is typical of Hamilton, who is known for his aggressive driving style and relentless pursuit of perfection.

While Ferrari has not provided specific details about the extent of the damage to the car, the team confirmed that Hamilton was unharmed and that they will quickly repair the SF-23 to continue testing. The team remains positive about the data gathered during the session, noting that Hamilton’s feedback will be crucial in refining the car’s setup for future races.

Leclerc to Return to Testing

Hamilton’s crash means a potential shift in Ferrari’s testing schedule. Charles Leclerc, who was initially expected to drive during today’s session, might return to the track tomorrow to make up for lost time. The schedule for Ferrari’s TPC testing is flexible, allowing for adjustments as needed, and Leclerc’s session may now be postponed to ensure Hamilton’s testing program can continue uninterrupted.

Leclerc’s role in these sessions is also critical as Ferrari prepares for the 2025 season. Both drivers have been alternating driving duties to gather a wide range of data, and their feedback has already proven invaluable for Ferrari’s engineers. With Hamilton’s incident now behind them, the team will continue to push forward with its testing program to ensure both drivers are fully prepared for the season opener.

Ferrari’s Optimism Despite the Setback

Despite the crash, Ferrari remains optimistic about the progress made during the Barcelona test. The team has been working tirelessly to address issues with balance and performance, which have plagued them in past seasons. Both Hamilton and Leclerc’s feedback will play an essential role in shaping the final configuration of the 2025 car, and Ferrari is determined to ensure that they are competitive from the first race.

Ferrari is also set to participate in further testing sessions before the official launch of their 2025 car in February. The team is focused on refining every aspect of their car to give both Hamilton and Leclerc the best possible chance to fight for the championship.

In the wake of Hamilton’s crash, Ferrari is doubling down on its testing efforts, confident that such incidents, though unfortunate, provide the data necessary for growth and improvement. The team is determined to iron out any remaining issues as they gear up for a highly anticipated season.

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