Breaking: Hamilton faster than Leclerc as Ferrari take part in Barcelona tyre test but still…read more
Hamilton Edges Out Leclerc as Ferrari Participates in Barcelona Tyre Test
Ferrari and McLaren have kicked off testing sessions in Barcelona, focusing on Pirelli’s tyre developments for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The first day of running saw Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on track for Ferrari, with the seven-time world champion narrowly outpacing his new teammate.
This marks the third consecutive week that Hamilton has had the opportunity to drive a Ferrari. Following two private tests at Fiorano and Barcelona, little information surfaced regarding his performance. However, the Pirelli test in Barcelona provides the first tangible comparison between Hamilton and Leclerc, sparking early speculation about their potential dynamics as teammates.
Both Ferrari drivers were behind the wheel of a modified SF-24, the car used by the team in the 2024 season. Hamilton set the faster lap between the two, recording a best time of 1:15.930, while Leclerc followed closely with 1:16.060. Despite Hamilton’s marginal advantage, the fastest driver of the day was Lando Norris, the sole McLaren representative, who topped the timesheets with an impressive 1:15.215.
In terms of mileage, Hamilton completed 87 laps, with Leclerc just behind on 86 laps, ensuring both drivers had significant time to evaluate Pirelli’s new tyre compounds. Norris, on the other hand, racked up an extensive 159 laps, giving McLaren a wealth of data from the session.
While the lap times themselves may not be entirely representative due to varying fuel loads, setups, and test conditions, Hamilton’s slight edge over Leclerc will undoubtedly fuel discussions as he prepares for his first season with Ferrari in 2025. The Briton’s performance will be under intense scrutiny as he integrates into the team and adapts to his new machinery.
The Pirelli tyre test is crucial for understanding how the 2026 tyres behave under different conditions, allowing both teams and the tyre manufacturer to gather valuable insights. McLaren’s strong showing with Norris suggests that they, too, are keen on maximizing the knowledge gained from these sessions.
As testing continues, the F1 world will closely monitor Hamilton’s progress with Ferrari, especially as the countdown to his full-time debut with the team in 2025 inches closer. While this session was primarily focused on tyres, it also offered a small glimpse into the potential performance balance between Ferrari’s two star drivers.
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