Breaking: Ferrari Cancels Leclerc’s Test After Hamilton’s CRASH but Plans…read more
Ferrari Cancels Leclerc’s Test After Hamilton’s Crash but Plans to Resume Running Thursday
Ferrari has decided to cancel Charles Leclerc’s planned track session on Wednesday afternoon following Lewis Hamilton’s crash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Despite this setback, the team intends to continue its testing program on Thursday with reserve drivers Dino Beganovic and Antonio Giovinazzi.
Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari, has been actively involved in the team’s preseason preparations. His testing schedule began last week at Fiorano, where he completed his first laps in Ferrari machinery. The seven-time world champion continued his adaptation process on Tuesday at the Barcelona circuit, taking over driving duties from Leclerc in the afternoon.
Before his on-track sessions, Hamilton visited Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello last Monday. He spent time meeting engineers, familiarizing himself with the team, and participating in a photoshoot. On Tuesday, he dedicated time to simulator work before heading to Fiorano for his first test in a Ferrari car on Wednesday.
Despite challenging weather conditions at Fiorano, Hamilton completed multiple installation laps and start practice runs before transitioning to slick tires as the track dried. By the end of the day, he had completed 30 laps. He was accompanied by his mother, Carmen, his former trainer Angela Cullen, and key Ferrari personnel, including team principal Frédéric Vasseur and deputy team boss Jérôme d’Ambrosio.
Ferrari then moved its testing program to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, aiming for improved weather and track conditions. Leclerc took the wheel on Tuesday morning, while Hamilton continued in the afternoon. The program carried on into Wednesday, but an incident involving Hamilton led to significant damage to the SF-23, forcing Ferrari to reassess its testing schedule.
The crash reportedly occurred around 11 AM in the final sector of the circuit. While the extent of the damage was not fully detailed, it was substantial enough for the team to cancel Leclerc’s afternoon session. However, Ferrari remains committed to its preseason preparations and plans to resume track action on Thursday, with Beganovic and Giovinazzi set to take over driving duties.
This test program is crucial for Ferrari as they fine-tune their car ahead of the new season. Despite the setback, the team remains focused on extracting valuable data to improve their performance when the championship begins.
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