Adami Riccardo promised do something ‘unprecedented’ for Lewis

Adami Riccardo promised do something ‘unprecedented’ for Lewis Hamilton’s next… read more

Lewis Hamilton’s second test with Ferrari was cut short on Wednesday after a crash in the final sector of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya while driving the 2023 Ferrari car. Hamilton had been scheduled to complete the morning session before handing over the car to his teammate Charles Leclerc for the afternoon. However, due to damage from the crash, Ferrari’s mechanics were unable to complete the repairs in time for Leclerc to drive, thus ending Hamilton’s test early.

The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, although there are suggestions that a bump on the track may have contributed to the incident, implying that the accident may not have been entirely Hamilton’s fault. Regardless of the cause, the crash disrupted Hamilton’s preparation for the upcoming Formula 1 season, as the test was meant to help him adjust to Ferrari’s car and setup.

Under F1 regulations, teams are limited to just four days of testing with full-time senior drivers. Ferrari has already used three of these days, so the crash has reduced their remaining opportunities for on-track testing. The team is scheduled to return to Barcelona next week for a Pirelli tyre test, but the focus will be on preparing for the 2026 F1 season. During this test, Ferrari will work with the Italian tire supplier to develop future tire compounds, shifting their focus away from the 2025 season.

Ferrari also has the option to extend their time at Barcelona for an additional day of testing, but doing so would prevent Hamilton from participating in any further mid-season tests unless he drives a historic car (one that is at least five years old). Ferrari had originally planned to save one of their testing days for later in the season, but the early end to Hamilton’s test has complicated their schedule.

For next week’s tyre test, Ferrari will use a modified setup to simulate conditions expected in the 2026 F1 season. Hamilton and Leclerc will both be driving the 2024 Ferrari car, but to replicate the downforce levels anticipated for 2026, the team will modify the car with a Monza-style setup. This will be the first time Hamilton and Leclerc share the track for a test, and it presents an important opportunity for both drivers to assess the tires and help Ferrari prepare for the next generation of F1 racing.

While Hamilton’s crash has impacted Ferrari’s testing plan, the team hopes to make the best use of their remaining opportunities, including the upcoming tire test. With some creative adjustments and continued preparation, Ferrari aims to optimize its readiness for the new season.