JUST IN: Toto Wolff Reveals the Cause of Hamilton’s Ferrari Testing Crash Following…read more
JUST IN: Toto Wolff Reveals the Cause of Hamilton’s Ferrari Testing Crash Following…read more
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s crash during his first private test session with Ferrari, claiming he knows exactly why the incident occurred.
Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season recently took part in a private test at Barcelona to familiarize himself with the SF-23—the team’s 2023 challenger However, the session took an unexpected turn when the seven-time world champion lost control of the car and crashed into the barriers, causing damage to the front wing and suspension.
Why Did Hamilton Crash?
The SF-23was notorious for its unpredictable handling, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggling with its instability throughout the 2023 season. The car’s aero peakiness” made it challenging to control in certain conditions, and despite Ferrari’s efforts to improve its balance in 2024, its inherent issues remained.
While Wolff did not reveal specific details, his comments suggest that Hamilton’s crash was likely influenced by the SF-23’s tricky characteristics rather than a major driver error. The Austrian team boss is well aware of Hamilton’s adaptability and experience, making his remarks a subtle reminder that even the best drivers.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Hamilton has faced difficulties when switching teams. In 2013, during his first test with Mercedes at Jerez, he crashed just 15 laps into the session due to a brake failure, which caused his car to veer off the track and briefly catch fire. That setback, however, did not prevent him from achieving historic success with Mercedes in the following years.
Despite the crash, Ferrari is unlikely to be too concerned. The private test was intended to help Hamilton l understand the car’s behavior and push it to its limits making incidents like this a natural part of the adaptation process. Given Hamilton’s proven ability to overcome challenges and thrive, this crash is likely just a small bump in the road as he prepares for his full-time Ferrari debut in 2025.
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