Hamilton completes latest Ferrari run in Barcelona with more tra…read more
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has taken another significant step in his transition to Ferrari, completing a private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The British driver, who recently made the switch from Mercedes after 12 successful seasons, got behind the wheel of a 2023-spec Ferrari for an afternoon session.
This marked Hamilton’s second outing with his new team, following a 30-lap run at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit earlier in his acclimatization program. At Barcelona, Hamilton shared testing duties with teammate Charles Leclerc, who drove during the morning session. Both drivers are set to get additional track time over the next two days, weather permitting.
These private sessions are designed to help Hamilton get familiar with Ferrari’s race operations and adjust to his new surroundings. This includes getting comfortable with the cockpit ergonomics, pedal feel, and steering wheel settings. As per Formula 1 regulations, Ferrari’s private tests are restricted under TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) rules, which limit mileage for race drivers to 1,000 kilometers.
Prior to this test, Ferrari had around 800 kilometers of that allocation remaining. Hamilton’s laps at Barcelona are a crucial step in ensuring he feels at home with the team ahead of the upcoming season. The partnership between the British driver and Ferrari has generated significant excitement, with fans eager to see how Hamilton adapts to Ferrari’s operations and what the future holds for the iconic team.
Looking ahead, Ferrari will return to Barcelona on February 4 and 5 for a Pirelli tire test focused on developing compounds for the 2026 season. McLaren will join them for the program, though it remains unclear which drivers will participate. Hamilton is expected to get additional time behind the wheel, potentially driving a modified version of Ferrari’s 2024 car to meet Pirelli’s testing requirements.
Both Hamilton and Leclerc will have their first opportunity to drive Ferrari’s 2025 car at the team’s official launch at Fiorano on February 19. This event follows Ferrari’s F1 75 official season launch, set to take place at The O2 in London on February 18. These testing sessions are critical for Hamilton as he transitions to a new team environment after his long and successful tenure at Mercedes.
The transition to Ferrari is a significant one for Hamilton, who has spent the majority of his career at Mercedes. The British driver has won seven world championships and has been one of the most dominant drivers in the sport. However, he has made the switch to Ferrari in search of a new challenge and the opportunity to add to his already impressive resume.
Ferrari, on the other hand, is looking to return to the top of the Formula 1 grid after a few years of struggling to compete with the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull. The team has a rich history in the sport, having won numerous championships over the years. However, they have not won a drivers’ championship since 2007, and they are eager to get back to the top.
The partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari is an exciting one, and fans will be eager to see how the British driver adapts to his new surroundings. With his experience and talent, combined with Ferrari’s rich history and resources, the team is looking to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was a significant step in his transition to Ferrari. The British driver got behind the wheel of a 2023-spec Ferrari and completed a series of laps, getting familiar with the team’s operations and adjusting to his new surroundings. With additional testing sessions planned in the coming weeks, Hamilton is eager to get up to speed and help Ferrari return to the top of the Formula 1 grid.
