Hamilton shunt causes Leclerc’s Ferrari run to be scrapped SF-23 got…read more
Ferrari’s second Formula 1 test day in Barcelona was cut short after an early crash by Lewis Hamilton, causing significant damage to the SF-23 car. This test, part of a limited testing allowance for teams under the new “Testing of Previous Cars” regulations, aimed to help teams get familiar with their 2023 machines. Teams are permitted 1000km of testing over four days, which can be divided between their drivers. Ferrari had already completed 131km in Fiorano the previous week, with both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc driving the SF-23, and additional mileage was planned for Barcelona.
However, around 11 am on Wednesday, Hamilton crashed at Turn 12, damaging the front suspension and bodywork of the car. The crash meant that the car required substantial repairs. Leclerc was scheduled to take over the car in the afternoon, but the team quickly realized that the repairs would not be completed in time for him to get out on track, especially as daylight began to fade. By the time the car was rebuilt, the visibility was too low to continue testing.
As a result of the crash and the delayed repairs, Ferrari’s testing schedule for the day was disrupted. Hamilton and Leclerc both left Barcelona, and the team’s planned running for the remainder of the day was scrapped. The team’s testing continued the following day with main reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) talent Dino Beganovic sharing driving duties in the SF-23. Giovinazzi, a seasoned Formula 1 reserve driver, and Beganovic, a rising star from the FDA, were tasked with covering the remaining testing mileage.
Beganovic, who has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020, is progressing towards an FIA superlicence. The Swedish driver won the 2022 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and has been a consistent contender in Formula 3, finishing sixth in the last two seasons. To earn his superlicence, Beganovic must cover 300km in an F1 car. The upcoming testing days present an opportunity for him to achieve that requirement and gain experience before potentially participating in Free Practice 1 sessions during the 2025 F1 season, as teams are mandated to use rookie drivers for four sessions each season.
Looking ahead, Ferrari can run Hamilton and Leclerc with the SF-23 for one more testing day in 2025. The team could take advantage of the Pirelli tire test scheduled for February 4-5, which McLaren will also attend, to extend their time at Barcelona and complete their fourth and final testing day under the current regulations.
