Just In: Ferrari make Leclerc change after HUGE Hamilton i…read more
Ferrari make Leclerc change after HUGE Hamilton i…read more
In a recent private testing session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Lewis Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari, experienced a significant crash that has led to adjustments in teammate Charles Leclerc’s testing schedule. The incident occurred during Hamilton’s second day of testing with the SF-23, Ferrari’s 2023 Formula 1 car. While Hamilton was uninjured, the crash caused substantial damage to the vehicle, particularly to its suspension and aerodynamic components.
The accident took place around 11 a.m. local time, with Hamilton losing control in the final sector of the track and colliding with the barriers. As a result, Ferrari had to halt the day’s testing activities to assess and repair the damage. This disruption meant that Leclerc, who was scheduled to take over testing duties in the afternoon, was unable to conduct his planned runs.
The team has since confirmed adjustments to Leclerc’s testing program to compensate for the lost track time. Ferrari plans to conduct additional sessions in the coming days, utilizing a car from the previous season in collaboration with Pirelli for tire testing. This approach aims to provide Leclerc with the necessary mileage and data ahead of the upcoming season.
Despite the setback, Ferrari remains optimistic about Hamilton’s integration into the team. Incidents during testing are not uncommon, especially when drivers are acclimating to new machinery. Hamilton’s aggressive driving style and efforts to find the car’s limits are seen as positive indicators of his commitment to extracting maximum performance.
Former F1 team manager Peter Windsor commented on the incident, suggesting that Hamilton’s crash reflects his confidence and willingness to push boundaries early in his tenure with Ferrari. Windsor believes that such incidents, while unfortunate, can be part of the process of building a strong driver-car relationship.
As Ferrari prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on ensuring both drivers have adequate preparation and that the cars are optimized for performance and reliability. The team is expected to unveil its 2025 challenger on February 19, with pre-season testing scheduled to follow shortly thereafter.
The partnership between Hamilton and Leclerc is anticipated to be one of the most compelling dynamics of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Both drivers are eager to collaborate and push Ferrari back to the forefront of the championship battle. The recent testing incident, while a hurdle, is unlikely to dampen the team’s ambitions as they gear up for a competitive campaign.
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