Track Bump Likely Cause of Hamilton’s Barcelona Testing Crash
Lewis Hamilton’s crash during Ferrari’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was likely triggered by a bump in the track, according to recent reports. The seven-time world champion lost control of the SF-23 in the final corner, an area known for its uneven surface, leading to a heavy collision with the barriers. The incident forced Ferrari to alter its testing schedule and cancel Charles Leclerc’s planned afternoon stint.
Hamilton’s Crash Disrupts Ferrari’s Testing Plans
Ferrari initially began their test program at Fiorano last Wednesday before relocating to Barcelona to take advantage of better weather conditions. The plan was for Leclerc to drive on Tuesday morning before handing the car over to Hamilton in the afternoon. The following day, they were scheduled to swap roles again. However, Hamilton’s accident in sector three of the track disrupted these plans.
Italian publication AutoRacer reported that the crash was “probably” caused by a bump, leading to Hamilton’s loss of control. The impact caused considerable damage to the SF-23, prompting Ferrari to cancel Leclerc’s afternoon session on Wednesday. Despite the setback, the Scuderia resumed testing on Thursday, with reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and F2 junior Dino Beganovic stepping in to complete the program.
The issue of bumps in Barcelona’s final sector is not new. During the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix, Williams driver Logan Sargeant experienced a similar incident, losing control after hitting a bump and crashing into the barriers. The track’s uneven surface has long been a challenge for drivers, particularly in high-speed corners where maintaining stability is crucial.
Ferrari’s Next Steps and Upcoming Testing Schedule
Despite the unexpected disruption, Ferrari will remain in Barcelona for a Pirelli tyre test next week. The Scuderia will be joined by McLaren for this session, which will focus on evaluating Pirelli’s 2026 tyre compounds. While the tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, they will be narrower than the current versions. The front tyres will be 25mm thinner, while the rears will be reduced by 30mm in width compared to the 2025 specification.
This test will be particularly significant for Hamilton, as it will mark his first chance to drive Ferrari’s 2024 car, the SF-24. Unlike TPC sessions, which restrict teams to running older machinery, Pirelli tests permit the use of current-season cars. This will give Hamilton an early opportunity to get a feel for the SF-24 before the official pre-season testing begins.
Beyond helping drivers and teams gather valuable data, the upcoming tyre test will be a key step in Pirelli’s development process for the 2026 regulations. Ferrari and McLaren’s participation will provide critical feedback as the Italian tyre manufacturer works on refining the compounds for the future of Formula 1.
Despite the crash-induced setback, Ferrari remains committed to their testing program, ensuring they maximize their preparation for the 2024 season while contributing to the sport’s long-term technical evolution.
