BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on Ferrari Test Crash...r

Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on Ferrari Test Crash

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up about the incident during his pre-season testing with Ferrari, after a crash in the SF-23 brought his session to an early end. The crash occurred at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, where Hamilton lost control of the car at Turn 12 and collided with the barriers. Despite the setback, Hamilton expressed his eagerness to get back on track, stating that his first race with Ferrari “can’t come soon enough.”

Crash During Barcelona Test

Hamilton’s pre-season testing in the SF-23 came to an abrupt halt when he experienced an off-track moment that led to significant damage to his Ferrari. According to reports, Hamilton was pushing the limits of his new car, and Ferrari confirmed that the incident was “perfectly normal” in the context of testing. The team noted that Hamilton was testing the boundaries of his equipment as part of the preparation process for the upcoming season.

The crash impacted Ferrari’s testing schedule, as it prevented Charles Leclerc from completing his planned afternoon session. Instead, Ferrari had to call in Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic to take over testing duties on the final day. The team quickly acted to assess the damage, with reports suggesting that Ferrari urgently sent a specialist composites technician to Barcelona to evaluate the condition of the SF-23.

Hamilton’s Determination

Despite the setback, Hamilton remained optimistic and enthusiastic about the future. The British driver, who recently joined Ferrari in his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world championship, expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. “The first race can’t come soon enough,” Hamilton said, signaling his readiness to move past the testing incident and focus on the races ahead.

Hamilton is expected to return to the track next week, driving a modified SF-24 ‘mule car’ for a Pirelli tire test. Ferrari will be using this opportunity to run a unique “Monza-style configuration,” a setup typically suited for circuits requiring lower downforce, like Monza, but will now be tested at the Circuit de Catalunya to simulate downforce levels for 2026.

Ferrari’s Pirelli Test Plans

Italian journalist Rosario Giuliana revealed Ferrari’s unconventional approach for the Pirelli tire test. According to Giuliana, Ferrari will be running with a Monza-style setup at Barcelona, which is unusual for a circuit like Montmelò that usually requires larger wings for more downforce. However, the team is preparing for future regulations and aiming to simulate the lower downforce levels expected in 2026.

“Ferrari for the Pirelli test will run in Spain with a Monza-style configuration,” Giuliana explained. “This is an unprecedented setup for Montmelò, which normally demands large wings. McLaren has already experimented with this setup at Paul Ricard, simulating the downforce levels for 2026, which will be similar to the 2024 Monza version.”

In addition to the altered aerodynamics, the mule cars are expected to run with reduced weight to replicate the -30kg reduction that will be part of the 2026 regulations. This will allow Ferrari to better understand how their cars will perform under the new guidelines and gather valuable data for future development.

Looking Ahead to 2025

After completing the Pirelli test in Spain, Hamilton’s next on-track activity will be Ferrari’s SF-25 shakedown, followed by the official pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26-28. The SF-25, Ferrari’s new 2025 car, has generated significant anticipation, particularly with Hamilton’s involvement and his pursuit of an eighth championship.

Ferrari is aiming to build on the momentum of the previous seasons and challenge Red Bull’s dominance in the sport. Hamilton’s arrival at the team has fueled optimism among fans and pundits, as his experience and talent could be the missing piece for Ferrari’s championship aspirations.

While the crash in Barcelona was an unfortunate moment in Hamilton’s preparation, it seems unlikely to dampen his spirits. With testing continuing, Hamilton and Ferrari will work to fine-tune the car ahead of the season opener, where both driver and team will look to start their campaign on a strong note.

For now, fans eagerly await Hamilton’s next outing in Ferrari colors, and the journey toward his first race as a Ferrari driver promises to be an exciting chapter in the storied history of Formula 1.

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Hugo Harvey

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