Breaking: Hamilton CRASHES as Ferrari Barcelona plans…read more
Hamilton Crashes in Barcelona Testing, Ferrari’s Plans Disrupted
Lewis Hamilton suffered a crash on his second day of testing with Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, causing a setback for the team’s schedule. The seven-time Formula 1 champion was behind the wheel of the SF-23 on Wednesday when he lost control and hit the barriers in the third sector at around 11 a.m., according to Autosport.
Despite the impact, Hamilton was unharmed and managed to exit the car without assistance. However, the Ferrari sustained notable damage, particularly to its suspension and aerodynamic components. The incident has forced Ferrari to conduct urgent repairs, leading to an unexpected delay in their planned testing program.
Crash Delays Leclerc’s Testing Session
The crash has also affected Charles Leclerc’s scheduled time in the SF-23 later in the day. Both drivers were set to share the car as part of a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session, but repairs following Hamilton’s accident have pushed back the Monegasque driver’s turn behind the wheel.
Although Ferrari can swiftly swap in Leclerc’s seat, steering wheel, pedals, and other cockpit-specific adjustments, the team must first ensure that the car’s damaged components are fixed before he can head out on track. The delay could reduce Ferrari’s planned running time, impacting the team’s ability to gather valuable data from the session.
Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari Continues
This test in Barcelona marks a crucial step in Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, following his initial run in the SF-23 at the team’s Fiorano circuit. The Barcelona test provides a more representative environment for Hamilton to familiarize himself with the car and team operations under realistic conditions.
Ferrari’s testing program in Barcelona is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, with reserve and junior drivers Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic also set to take part. Despite the setback caused by Hamilton’s crash, Ferrari will be keen to maximize the remaining track time to gather as much data as possible before shifting focus to pre-season testing with their 2025 challenger.
Hamilton’s early days with Ferrari have already attracted significant attention, as fans and analysts eagerly watch his adaptation to the new team. While the crash is an unfortunate incident, it remains part of the learning curve as the British driver continues preparing for his highly anticipated debut season in red.