Breaking: Lewis Hamilton crash triggers extra Ferrari action for Leclerc’s…read more
ewis Hamilton’s Crash Leads Ferrari to Give Extra Track Time to Charles Leclerc
Ferrari has taken steps to compensate for lost track time for Charles Leclerc following Lewis Hamilton’s crash during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The Scuderia used their scheduled Pirelli tyre test to provide Leclerc with additional running in last year’s SF-23, ensuring he gets the necessary pre-season mileage.
Leclerc’s Testing Interrupted by Hamilton’s Crash
As part of Ferrari’s pre-season preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Hamilton and Leclerc participated in a Testing Previous Car (TPC) programme. This initiative saw both drivers alternating in the SF-23 to get familiar with Ferrari machinery before official testing begins.
The programme started at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track before shifting to Barcelona for an intensive three-day session. Leclerc ran on Tuesday morning before handing over the car to Hamilton. On Wednesday, the two swapped driving duties, but the session was unexpectedly cut short when Hamilton crashed around 11 a.m. at Turn 12. Reports suggest he lost control after hitting a bump, resulting in significant damage to the car’s bodywork and suspension.
Although Ferrari was able to repair the SF-23 overnight, the final day of testing was reserved for reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and junior driver Dino Beganovic. As a result, Leclerc missed out on valuable track time, which could have impacted his pre-season preparations.
Ferrari’s Solution: Extra Running for Leclerc
To compensate for the lost mileage, Ferrari made sure Leclerc got back on track during their recent Pirelli tyre test at the same Barcelona circuit. According to Italian publication autoracer.it, Ferrari brought two cars to the test: a mule version of the SF-24 for tyre development and an SF-23 to allow Leclerc to complete the running he had missed.
The move was particularly important because Leclerc had already faced disruptions earlier in the pre-season, including limited running at Fiorano due to poor weather conditions. Ferrari reportedly didn’t want to deprive him of crucial training time, allowing him to fine-tune his skills before heading into the new season.
This additional session not only helped Leclerc regain lost mileage but also ensured Ferrari’s lead driver is fully prepared for the upcoming challenges as he enters his third season alongside a new teammate—seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
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