JUST IN :Hamilton absence revealed at VITAL Ferrari Barcelona test

Hamilton absence revealed at VITAL Ferrari Barcelona test

Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were notably absent from a crucial Ferrari test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as revealed by reports from Italian media. The test, which is part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming season, saw Ferrari’s new F1 lineup begin testing with the SF-23 under the Testing of Previous Car (TPC) regulations. The test, scheduled to span three days, is an essential event for the team to gather data and continue their development ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The first two days of the Barcelona test saw Ferrari’s regular drivers take to the track, but the third day will see a shift, with reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and academy driver Dino Beganovic stepping in to drive the 2023 Ferrari car. This introduces the possibility that both Hamilton and Leclerc may be absent from this particular session, as both are not confirmed to be part of the testing lineup on January 30, 2025.

While Hamilton and Leclerc’s participation in the test has not been fully confirmed, it is clear that some members of Ferrari’s team returned to Maranello, which has raised questions about the drivers’ involvement. Reports have indicated that the team may not have their full roster at the test, though it remains unclear whether the two prominent drivers will join in on the final day of the test. Ferrari has yet to officially comment on whether Hamilton and Leclerc will be present for the later sessions.

This test holds particular significance for the younger drivers involved. For Beganovic, the 21-year-old Ferrari junior driver, this will be a critical opportunity to gain experience with an F1 car. Beganovic, who has previously shown promise in junior categories, will be looking to make his mark and follow in the footsteps of other Ferrari academy drivers, such as Ollie Bearman, who have successfully made the transition to F1. This session in Barcelona represents an important training opportunity for him to familiarize himself with Ferrari’s 2023 challenger, the SF-23, which will be a pivotal part of his development into an F1 driver.

Giovinazzi, who has past experience with Ferrari as a reserve driver and former race driver for Alfa Romeo, will also participate in the test. For him, this session provides another chance to stay sharp and showcase his abilities, with potential opportunities for future roles within the team. His participation adds another layer of depth to Ferrari’s testing program, giving the team more data from various drivers as they prepare for the upcoming F1 season.

Looking ahead, both Leclerc and Hamilton are scheduled to return to the Barcelona circuit at the beginning of February for further tests. These upcoming sessions will be part of Pirelli’s ongoing data-gathering efforts regarding the 2026 tyres, which are set to play a crucial role in future F1 seasons. The participation of these top drivers will provide valuable insights as Ferrari continues to refine their car for the next chapter in F1’s evolving tyre specifications.