Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari hit by testing ban ahead of… read more
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari are facing a testing ban ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, which will impact their preparations for the upcoming year. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, recently participated in his first test with Ferrari at their private Fiorano circuit. During this session, he drove Ferrari’s 2023 car, the SF-23, marking his first experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari. This test was made possible due to F1’s TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) rules, which allow teams to conduct private tests using cars that are older than two years. This rule ensures that no team gains a competitive edge by testing new cars before the season begins.
However, these TPC regulations have broader implications for both Hamilton and Ferrari’s future test sessions. As the team prepares for the official pre-season testing in Barcelona at the end of January, Ferrari’s running will be restricted by these rules. Ferrari is scheduled to test in Barcelona on January 28, 29, and 30, but due to the testing ban, they will be limited in how many cars they can run at the same time. The rules dictate that no team can operate more than one car at once during testing with the previous year’s models. As a result, Hamilton and his teammate, Charles Leclerc, will be required to share a single SF-23 car, which could slow down the team’s progress.
Both Hamilton and Leclerc still need to complete over 900 kilometers in the SF-23, which equates to around 200 laps. The limited number of laps each driver can complete due to the ban on using two cars simultaneously might pose a challenge for Ferrari’s testing strategy. The restrictions apply to all teams, so Ferrari is not the only team affected by this rule. This ban will require careful planning as all teams must contend with these limitations during testing.
In addition to the TPC rules, Hamilton will also participate in the Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona, which will take place on February 4 and 5. This test is crucial for Pirelli’s preparation for the 2026 season and will involve testing a new 25mm narrower tyre. Hamilton, alongside Leclerc, will assist McLaren in gathering data for Pirelli as they work on developing these tyres. This test will be Hamilton’s first opportunity to drive Ferrari’s 2024 car, the SF-24, which secured five wins in the previous season with drivers Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Hamilton’s involvement in the tyre test, along with his earlier Ferrari test, showcases his growing connection with the Scuderia team as they prepare for the 2025 season, despite the limitations imposed by the testing ban.
