Lewis Hamilton’s second check with Ferrari ended prematurely on Wednesday after he crashed into the limitations 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 required repairs couldn’t be accomplished in time, leaving Leclerc unable to take part.
Preliminary experiences counsel that Hamilton might have been caught out by a bump within the monitor, which might imply the crash was not completely his fault. However, the accident has impacted his preseason preparations. Method 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 presents them the choice of staying a further day. Nonetheless, if Ferrari chooses to increase their operating, Hamilton shall be unable to conduct any additional in-season testing except he drives a automotive that’s at the very least 5 years outdated. Whereas the winter testing interval stays probably the most important section for his adaptation, Ferrari had supposed to maintain at some point 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 shall 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 method as “unprecedented,” as groups usually run high-downforce wings at this venue to maximise stability by means of its flowing medium-speed corners.
McLaren has already begun testing the 2026-spec tyres at Paul Ricard in France below moist circumstances, the place they, too, have opted for decreased downforce. Moreover, the check automobiles have been made roughly 30 kilograms lighter, which offers a glimpse into the course F1 is heading with the brand new laws. Whereas the session will supply Hamilton a style of the upcoming period, its relevance to the present season shall be restricted.
Hamilton addressing a key Ferrari weak point from Carlos Sainz’s remaining season
To date, Ferrari has been in full management of its testing agenda, fastidiously 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 through the 2024 season. Sainz incessantly misplaced positions relative to his grid slot, prompting the group to contemplate changes to their beginning process.
Nonetheless, with subsequent week’s check falling below Pirelli’s jurisdiction, Ferrari could have much less freedom to tailor this system to their very own wants. Quite than refining the dealing with traits of the automotive, Lewis Hamilton’s precedence shall be strengthening his working relationship with Ferrari’s engineering group as he continues to combine into his new environment.
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