Toto Wolff on Hamilton’s Ferrari Testing Crash: “I Know Exactly Why It Happened”

Toto Wolff on Hamilton’s Ferrari Testing Crash: “I Know Exactly Why It Happened”

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, recently had his first test session with Ferrari, where he got behind the wheel of the SF-23, the car used by the team during the 2023 season. The session took place in Barcelona and was aimed at allowing Hamilton to familiarize himself with the car before his full-time move to Ferrari in 2025. However, the test didn’t go entirely smoothly. Hamilton lost control of the SF-23 and crashed, damaging the car’s front wing and suspension. Despite the crash, neither Hamilton nor Ferrari appeared overly concerned about the incident.

The SF-23 had a reputation for being a difficult car to handle during the 2023 season. Both of Ferrari’s drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, struggled with the car, particularly because of its “aero peakiness,” a term referring to the car’s unstable and unpredictable aerodynamic behavior. This issue made the car challenging to drive in certain conditions, resulting in a number of tough races for the Ferrari team. Throughout 2024, Ferrari worked diligently to address these handling issues, focusing on improving the car’s balance and stability to provide the drivers with more control.

Despite the crash, it was seen as a normal part of the testing process. The session was designed to push the SF-23 to its limits, and Hamilton’s goal was to gain experience with the car’s characteristics, especially since he’s set to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. The data collected during the test would be useful for Ferrari in further understanding the car’s performance in extreme scenarios. It also allowed Hamilton to experience how the SF-23 compares to the Mercedes cars he has driven for most of his career, providing valuable insights into his upcoming transition.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Hamilton faced a setback while adjusting to a new team. In 2013, during his first test with Mercedes at the Jerez circuit, Hamilton also crashed early in the session. That incident occurred just 15 laps into the test, when a brake failure caused Hamilton to lose control and crash. The failure was traced to a hydraulic brake line issue, which led to flames emerging from the car due to unburnt fuel igniting in the exhaust. While this was an alarming start to Hamilton’s time with Mercedes, it didn’t hinder his career. He quickly adapted to the team and went on to dominate the hybrid era, winning several world championships and cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.

Given Hamilton’s track record of overcoming challenges, the crash with Ferrari is likely to be seen as just another step in his adaptation process. Hamilton’s ability to quickly bounce back from setbacks has been a defining characteristic of his career. Ferrari, aware of Hamilton’s resilience, isn’t expected to be overly concerned about the incident. The private test was not a race but rather an opportunity for both Hamilton and Ferrari to gather valuable data and experience the car in extreme conditions. The crash was considered an acceptable risk in the pursuit of learning more about the car’s performance.

Additionally, Ferrari has invested considerable time into refining the SF-23 since its difficult 2023 season. With Hamilton set to join the team in 2025, Ferrari will be eager to ensure that the car is in a better position to help him feel comfortable and confident. While the crash was unfortunate, it wasn’t unexpected given the SF-23’s challenging nature, and it was simply part of the process of a driver adjusting to a new environment.

Ultimately, the crash is unlikely to have any lasting impact on Hamilton’s momentum as he prepares for his next challenge with Ferrari. His past experiences, including the earlier crash with Mercedes, have only strengthened his resolve. Ferrari fans can expect Hamilton to approach his new role with the same determination and focus that has defined his legendary career in

Formula 1.