Lewis Hamilton’s second check with Ferrari ended prematurely on Wednesday after he crashed into the obstacles within the last sector of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya whereas driving the workforce’s 2023 challenger. The incident disrupted Ferrari’s testing schedule, stopping teammate Charles Leclerc from taking up within the afternoon session as initially deliberate. Regardless of the workforce’s efforts, the mandatory repairs couldn’t be accomplished in time, leaving Leclerc unable to take part.
Preliminary reviews counsel that Hamilton might have been caught out by a bump within the observe, which might imply the crash was not completely his fault. Nonetheless, the accident has impacted his preseason preparations. Components 1 laws strictly restrict groups to only 4 days of Testing of Earlier Automobiles (TPC) with their present full-time drivers, and Ferrari has now used up three of these days.
The workforce is about to return to Barcelona subsequent week for a Pirelli tyre check, which presents them the choice of staying an extra day. Nevertheless, if Ferrari chooses to increase their working, Hamilton will probably be unable to conduct any additional in-season testing until he drives a automobile that’s a minimum of 5 years previous. Whereas the winter testing interval stays essentially the most important section for his adaptation, Ferrari had supposed to maintain someday in reserve for future wants.
Ferrari to undertake radical setup for Hamilton’s tyre check subsequent week
Throughout subsequent week’s Pirelli check, Hamilton will share the observe with Leclerc for the primary time as a Ferrari driver. The 2 will probably be evaluating prototype tyres for the 2026 season whereas driving the workforce’s 2023 automobile, albeit with modifications designed to simulate the anticipated downforce ranges of the brand new laws.
To duplicate 2026 aerodynamic situations, Ferrari will make use of an excessive low-downforce Monza-style setup, which is an unconventional alternative for the Barcelona circuit. Motorsport journalist Rosario Giuliana has described this method as “unprecedented,” as groups usually run high-downforce wings at this venue to maximise stability by way of its flowing medium-speed corners.
McLaren has already begun testing the 2026-spec tyres at Paul Ricard in France below moist situations, the place they, too, have opted for decreased downforce. Moreover, the check vehicles have been made roughly 30 kilograms lighter, which supplies a glimpse into the route F1 is heading with the brand new laws. Whereas the session will provide Hamilton a style of the upcoming period, its relevance to the present season will probably be restricted.
Hamilton addressing a key Ferrari weak point from Carlos Sainz’s last season
To this point, Ferrari has been in full management of its testing agenda, rigorously managing mileage restrictions whereas prioritizing their very own aims. One key space of focus for the British driver has been enhancing race begins, an space the place his predecessor Carlos Sainz struggled through the 2024 season. Sainz incessantly misplaced positions relative to his grid slot, prompting the workforce to think about changes to their beginning process.
Nevertheless, with subsequent week’s check falling below Pirelli’s jurisdiction, Ferrari can have much less freedom to tailor this system to their very own wants. Moderately than refining the dealing with traits of the automobile, Lewis Hamilton’s precedence will probably be strengthening his working relationship with Ferrari’s engineering workforce as he continues to combine into his new environment.
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