Breaking:Hamilton Outpaces Leclerc in Ferrari’s Latest F1 Test….see more
Hamilton Outpaces Leclerc in Ferrari’s Latest F1 Test….see more
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has wasted no time making an impression at Ferrari, setting a faster lap time than his new teammate Charles Leclerc during their latest test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The test, organized by Pirelli, focused on evaluating the 2026 tyre compounds, with both Ferrari and McLaren running modified versions of their respective F1 challengers. While outright lap times in these tests are not always indicative of race performance, Hamilton’s pace will no doubt fuel excitement as he prepares for his first season in red.
Hamilton’s First Official Ferrari Test in the SF-24
The test marked Hamilton’s first drive in Ferrari’s SF-24, the team’s 2024 F1 car, following his previous two runs in the older SF-23. This comes just a week after his unfortunate crash in the SF-23 at Barcelona, which had briefly set back Ferrari’s testing plans.
Despite the incident, Ferrari ensured both Hamilton and Leclerc got sufficient running time by also deploying the SF-23 for a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session. This allowed the Scuderia to make up for lost mileage while gathering crucial data for Pirelli’s 2026 tyre development.
Lap Times: Hamilton Edges Out Leclerc
McLaren’s Lando Norris topped the timesheets with a 1m15.215s, completing an impressive 159 laps in his team’s MCL60 from 2023. Meanwhile, Hamilton was the second-fastest driver of the day, posting a best lap of 1m15.930s over 87 laps.
Leclerc, Ferrari’s long-standing star, finished marginally behind Hamilton, recording a 1m16.060s over 86 laps. While testing conditions, fuel loads, and tyre programs all play a role in these lap times, the fact that Hamilton was immediately on the pace will certainly raise eyebrows.
A Glimpse of Ferrari’s 2025 Power Duo
Although the lap times from a tyre test don’t necessarily reflect the competitive order, the fact that Hamilton has adapted so quickly to Ferrari machinery is a promising sign. His smooth transition into the SF-24 suggests that he is wasting no time getting comfortable in his new environment.
With Hamilton joining Ferrari in 2025, all eyes will be on how he measures up against Leclerc, who has been the team’s main man for years. Leclerc’s deep understanding of Ferrari’s operations and car characteristics will undoubtedly make him a formidable opponent, but Hamilton’s relentless drive and vast experience could shake things up within the team.
Testing Continues – More to Come
The Pirelli tyre test will extend into Wednesday, with Hamilton and Leclerc once again sharing Ferrari’s testing duties. Over at McLaren, Oscar Piastri will take over from Norris to continue the Woking-based team’s evaluation of the new tyre constructions.
While this test was strictly for Pirelli’s benefit, the first real showdown between Hamilton and Leclerc in the same car has already generated massive anticipation. If this test is any indication, Ferrari could be in for an electrifying season when Hamilton officially joins the team in 2025.
One thing is certain—Hamilton is already making his presence felt in red.
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