Lewis Hamilton’s second check with Ferrari ended prematurely on Wednesday after he crashed into the limitations within the ultimate 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 studies recommend that Hamilton might have been caught out by a bump within the monitor, which might imply the crash was not fully his fault. However, the accident has impacted his preseason preparations. Method 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 gives them the choice of staying an extra day. Nonetheless, if Ferrari chooses to increase their working, Hamilton shall be unable to conduct any additional in-season testing until he drives a automobile that’s not less than 5 years outdated. Whereas the winter testing interval stays essentially the most essential part for his adaptation, Ferrari had meant to maintain in the future 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 workforce’s 2023 automobile, 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 sometimes 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 below moist circumstances, the place they, too, have opted for lowered downforce. Moreover, the check automobiles have been made roughly 30 kilograms lighter, which supplies a glimpse into the course 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 shall be restricted.
Hamilton addressing a key Ferrari weak spot from Carlos Sainz’s ultimate season
Thus far, Ferrari has been in full management of its testing agenda, fastidiously managing mileage restrictions whereas prioritizing their very own targets. 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 incessantly misplaced positions relative to his grid slot, prompting the workforce 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. Relatively than refining the dealing with traits of the automobile, Lewis Hamilton’s precedence shall be strengthening his working relationship with Ferrari’s engineering workforce as he continues to combine into his new environment.
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