How Charles Leclerc felt about Lewis Hamilton’s testing crash as...

How Charles Leclerc felt about Lewis Hamilton’s testing crash as…read more

Charles Leclerc’s involvement in Ferrari’s testing sessions has been an integral part of the team’s preparations for the 2023 Formula 1 season. As part of the ongoing testing program, Leclerc participated alongside Lewis Hamilton in two testing sessions for Ferrari. The most recent test took place in Barcelona, Spain, and it was designed to help the team gather critical data ahead of the new season, especially focusing on areas like tire temperature management.

Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, is no stranger to testing with the team, and it was clear that the 2023 tests were primarily aimed at fine-tuning the car’s performance. The testing sessions offered an opportunity for the Monegasque driver to further develop his skills and fine-tune his driving technique. However, it also gave the team a chance to experiment with some potential setup changes that could prove vital for the upcoming season. One of the specific challenges Ferrari was addressing during this test was the ongoing issue of tire temperature management, an area that can significantly impact a car’s performance over the course of a race weekend.

While Leclerc’s participation in these sessions is valuable for him personally, it’s also important to note that the tests are not just about gathering data for the Monegasque driver. In fact, much of the focus was on Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari for the test. The seven-time world champion has not driven for Ferrari in an official capacity before, so his presence was seen as an opportunity for him to adapt to a different team and get a better understanding of Ferrari’s car for the future. This is particularly valuable for Hamilton, as he looks to potentially expand his future options and gain insights into how different teams approach various technical challenges.

The Barcelona test, however, did not go exactly as planned. While the first day of running was relatively smooth, disaster struck on the second day when Hamilton was involved in a crash during the morning session. At the final corner, Hamilton lost control of the car and ended up hitting the barriers. The impact caused significant damage to the Ferrari’s front suspension and also impacted some of the aerodynamic parts. Fortunately, Hamilton was unharmed, but the crash brought an immediate halt to the session, and the Ferrari team had to dedicate several hours to repair the damage.

The crash put a halt to any further running for the day, which had a direct impact on Leclerc’s scheduled program. While the team had planned for Leclerc to continue with his testing that afternoon, the delays in repairs meant that the Monegasque driver was unable to take to the track. Despite this setback, Leclerc did not express any significant frustration or disappointment. In fact, he was reportedly quite understanding of the situation and maintained a calm, professional demeanor throughout the day.

Leclerc’s response to the situation highlights a key characteristic of his approach to racing and his relationship with the team. Rather than focusing on the lost mileage or any potential setbacks, Leclerc remained focused on the bigger picture. He understood that these testing sessions were a vital part of Ferrari’s preparations, and any issues were simply part of the process. The team’s priority was ensuring that the car was in good condition for further tests and improvements, and Leclerc’s attitude reflected this understanding.

Following the crash, Ferrari had the option to invite either both drivers or just Leclerc to stay an extra day to make up for the lost running time. In the end, the team decided to bring in reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and Ferrari academy talent Dino Beganovic to take over the final day of testing. This decision was made in line with Ferrari’s original testing plan, which had already accounted for the participation of the two reserve drivers. As a result, Leclerc did not have to extend his testing schedule, and instead, the team was able to continue working with its reserve drivers.

Despite the interruption to Leclerc’s testing, he did not appear to be discouraged or upset by the situation. In fact, he seemed content with the progress the team had made up to that point and remained focused on the long-term goals of the testing program. Leclerc’s professionalism and calm response to the setback reflect the type of mindset that is needed for a driver at the highest level of motorsport.

Ultimately, the testing crash that interrupted the plan did not seem to dampen Leclerc’s enthusiasm or his commitment to helping Ferrari prepare for the upcoming season. His attitude serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and adaptability in Formula 1, where unforeseen events are often a part of the process. With the team continuing to address key technical issues and working toward a stronger car for the upcoming season, Leclerc’s focus on the bigger picture is an important part of the team’s strategy moving forward.