Lewis Hamilton’s second check with Ferrari ended prematurely on Wednesday after he crashed into the obstacles within the remaining sector of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya whereas driving the group’s 2023 challenger. The incident disrupted Ferrari’s testing schedule, stopping teammate Charles Leclerc from taking on within the afternoon session as initially deliberate. Regardless of the group’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 monitor, which might imply the crash was not totally his fault. However, the accident has impacted his preseason preparations. Components 1 laws strictly restrict groups to only 4 days of Testing of Earlier Vehicles (TPC) with their present full-time drivers, and Ferrari has now used up three of these days.
The group is ready to return to Barcelona subsequent week for a Pirelli tyre check, which affords them the choice of staying an extra day. Nevertheless, if Ferrari chooses to increase their operating, Hamilton can be unable to conduct any additional in-season testing until he drives a automotive that’s at the very least 5 years previous. Whereas the winter testing interval stays essentially the most crucial part 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 monitor with Leclerc for the primary time as a Ferrari driver. The 2 can be evaluating prototype tyres for the 2026 season whereas driving the group’s 2023 automotive, albeit with modifications designed to simulate the anticipated downforce ranges of the brand new laws.
To duplicate 2026 aerodynamic circumstances, Ferrari will make use of an excessive low-downforce Monza-style setup, which is an unconventional selection for the Barcelona circuit. Motorsport journalist Rosario Giuliana has described this strategy as “unprecedented,” as groups usually run high-downforce wings at this venue to maximise stability via its flowing medium-speed corners.
McLaren has already begun testing the 2026-spec tyres at Paul Ricard in France beneath moist circumstances, the place they, too, have opted for diminished downforce. Moreover, the check automobiles have been made roughly 30 kilograms lighter, which gives a glimpse into the path 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 can be restricted.
Hamilton addressing a key Ferrari weak point from Carlos Sainz’s remaining season
To this point, Ferrari has been in full management of its testing agenda, rigorously managing mileage restrictions whereas prioritizing their very own goals. One key space of focus for the British driver has been enhancing race begins, an space the place his predecessor Carlos Sainz struggled in the course of the 2024 season. Sainz continuously misplaced positions relative to his grid slot, prompting the group to contemplate changes to their beginning process.
Nevertheless, with subsequent week’s check falling beneath Pirelli’s jurisdiction, Ferrari can have much less freedom to tailor this system to their very own wants. Slightly than refining the dealing with traits of the automotive, Lewis Hamilton’s precedence can be strengthening his working relationship with Ferrari’s engineering group as he continues to combine into his new environment.
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