Hamilton and Ferrari hit by...

Hamilton and Ferrari hit by…read more

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari are facing a testing ban ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The seven-time world champion recently completed his first test for Ferrari at their private circuit, Fiorano, last Wednesday. During this test, Hamilton drove the Scuderia’s 2023 car, the SF-23, in accordance with Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Car (TPC) regulations. These rules stipulate that teams can only conduct private tests using cars that are older than two years, ensuring that no team gains an unfair competitive advantage.

However, this testing rule will affect not only Hamilton’s test but also Ferrari’s testing schedule for the 2025 season. The team had planned test sessions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya at the end of January, specifically on January 28, 29, and 30. Due to the TPC regulations, Ferrari will face limitations on these test days. One of the key restrictions is that the team will not be allowed to run two cars simultaneously. This means that Hamilton and Ferrari’s regular driver, Charles Leclerc, will need to share a single SF-23 during their time in Barcelona. This restriction could present challenges for the team as they continue to fine-tune their car for the upcoming season.

Despite these restrictions, both Hamilton and Leclerc still have a significant amount of mileage to complete with the SF-23. Each driver has approximately 900 kilometers left to cover, which equals roughly 200 laps. This means the team will have limited track time and will have to carefully manage their testing schedule to maximize their chances of gathering useful data. While the ban on multiple cars running at the same time is a setback, it is not unique to Ferrari. The TPC rules apply to all teams across the grid, meaning every team will have to navigate the same limitations during their testing sessions.

In addition to the private tests in Barcelona, Hamilton will also be participating in a Pirelli tire test scheduled for February 4 and 5, 2025. During this test, Hamilton will drive Ferrari’s 2024 car, the SF-24, as part of Pirelli’s preparations for the 2026 F1 season. Hamilton will be joined by McLaren drivers for the tire testing, with the main focus being the development of 25mm narrower tires, which will be used starting in 2026. This will be Hamilton’s first chance to get behind the wheel of the SF-24, the car that secured five victories last season with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

For Ferrari, this tire test is an important opportunity to gather valuable data on the new tire specifications, which will be used in the future. The SF-24, which has already proven to be competitive, will play a key role in helping Pirelli fine-tune their tire specifications ahead of the 2026 season. The test will be crucial not only for Ferrari but also for all teams involved, as the tire changes will impact car setups and performance for years to come.

Overall, while the testing ban presents challenges for Ferrari and their drivers, including Hamilton and Leclerc, it is part of the broader framework of F1’s efforts to maintain fairness and prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage through excessive private testing. Ferrari will need to be strategic in their testing approach to ensure they are fully prepared for the 2025 season, while also providing valuable feedback to Pirelli during the upcoming tire test.