F1 TESTING : Ferrari-Hamilton and Leclerc Hit the Track in Barcelona day one RESULT…read more
F1 Testing: Ferrari-Hamilton and Leclerc Hit the Track in Barcelona
Ferrari kicked off the first day of testing at Barcelona with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of the SF-23, the same car that the seven-time world champion debuted in red at Fiorano. The weather conditions, although cloudy, were generally favorable with dry asphalt, allowing the Scuderia to gather valuable data crucial for optimizing their car for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The team expressed satisfaction with the day’s results, noting that the information collected will be essential in their quest to deliver a strong and competitive package next year.
The primary focus of the first round of testing was on braking and starting procedures. Engineers wanted to evaluate various setups in these critical areas, and both drivers were tasked with simulating race scenarios to help the team gather comparative data. Additionally, testing included work with the current tire package, as Ferrari aims to gain a better understanding of tire behavior in different phases of use. This is a key area for improvement, as past performance drops have hampered Ferrari’s ability to remain consistently competitive throughout race weekends.
Morning Session with Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc began the day’s testing, driving the SF-23 throughout the morning session. For Leclerc, it was an important opportunity to re-familiarize himself with the car and to test some subtle setup variations. He completed several aggressive runs, providing the Ferrari engineers with detailed feedback about the car’s behavior on track. While time constraints prevented him from fully pushing the limits of the car, the initial feedback was already promising.
Leclerc’s feedback to the team was crucial in identifying areas of the setup that required attention, and his runs were focused on pushing the car within specific parameters. His role in the morning was largely exploratory, setting a baseline for the engineers to work with as the testing continued. The goal was to assess the car’s performance under various load conditions and ensure that all variables were taken into account, from tire degradation to fuel consumption patterns.
Ferrari’s desire to improve upon their 2024 struggles, particularly with consistency and performance management, was evident in this methodical approach to testing. The Monegasque driver’s morning session was intended to lay a foundation for further optimization, ensuring that both Leclerc and the team would be better equipped to handle the demands of the 2025 season.
Afternoon with Lewis Hamilton
Following Leclerc’s session, Lewis Hamilton took over driving duties in the afternoon. Hamilton, fresh from his debut drive in Fiorano, continued working with the SF-23, this time with a focus on medium-length runs. His main task was to adjust to Ferrari’s braking system, which differs significantly from what he has been accustomed to throughout his time with Mercedes.
Hamilton’s session was more about adaptation and refinement than pure speed. His experience allowed Ferrari to gather critical insights on how a driver of his caliber approaches medium-distance stints, which are crucial for understanding race strategy and tire management. Like Leclerc, Hamilton provided extensive feedback to the engineers, who are eager to improve the car’s performance over longer runs.
One area of focus for Hamilton was adjusting to the braking performance of the Ferrari, as the system requires a different approach compared to what he used at Mercedes. Despite the differences, Hamilton seemed to acclimate quickly, continuing his work with composure and precision. His wealth of experience was valuable as the team continued to gather data.
Plans for the Coming Days
On the second day of testing, the roles will be reversed, with Hamilton taking to the track in the morning, followed by Leclerc in the afternoon. This switch will allow both drivers to work under different track conditions, offering Ferrari a comprehensive range of data. The afternoon session will also provide an opportunity to conduct pit-stop practice, simulating real race conditions to help fine-tune the mechanics’ performance ahead of the 2025 season.
Ferrari’s testing schedule also leaves room for other drivers to potentially take part. While it is not yet confirmed, Antonio Giovinazzi or young talent Dino Beganovic may be given the opportunity to participate later in the week. Ferrari’s engineering team is keeping their options open regarding the testing lineup, but the primary focus remains on preparing Leclerc and Hamilton for the upcoming season.
Positive Outlook at Maranello
Despite the secrecy surrounding the development of the new car, the mood in the Ferrari garage is overwhelmingly positive. The team is determined to make significant strides and ensure that the 2025 season starts off with a highly competitive car. The Scuderia has made it clear that their ambition is to present themselves as genuine title contenders from the very first race.
As the testing sessions continue in Barcelona, Ferrari will aim to refine their data, working closely with both Hamilton and Leclerc to extract maximum performance from the SF-23. Their work on braking systems, tire management, and pit-stop performance will all be crucial as they build towards a stronger future. Although still early in the process, the results so far have left Ferrari feeling optimistic about the potential of their 2025 campaign.
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