Leclerc Dominates Barcelona Tyre Test as Hamilton day two end in high dramatic…read more
In a recent Pirelli tyre test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc showcased exceptional performance, setting the fastest lap time and leaving McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and teammate Lewis Hamilton trailing behind. The two-day session, held on February 4-5, 2025, was part of Pirelli’s development program for the 2026 Formula 1 slick tyres.
Testing Objectives and Car Modifications
The primary aim of this session was to assist Pirelli in developing tyres suited for the upcoming 2026 regulations. Both Ferrari and McLaren participated, utilizing modified versions of their 2024 cars. These modifications were designed to simulate the anticipated downforce levels under the 2026 rules, which are expected to reduce aerodynamic load by approximately 20% compared to the 2025 designs. Additionally, the 2026 regulations will introduce narrower tyres, with the front and rear tyres being reduced by 25mm and 30mm, respectively.
Day One: Hamilton’s Strong Start and Norris’s Benchmark
On the first day of testing, Lewis Hamilton, in his debut season with Ferrari, demonstrated impressive speed. He recorded a lap time of 1:15.93, narrowly edging out his teammate Charles Leclerc by 0.13 seconds. However, both Ferrari drivers were outpaced by McLaren’s Lando Norris, who set the day’s fastest time at 1:15.21 in the MCL60 mule car.
Day Two: Leclerc’s Dominance and Hamilton’s Challenges
The second day witnessed a significant shift in performance dynamics. Charles Leclerc delivered an outstanding performance, completing 74 laps and setting the fastest time of the test at 1:14.971. This time was nearly a second quicker than McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who managed a personal best of 1:15.815 after completing an identical number of laps.
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton faced challenges on the second day. Despite an extensive run of 152 laps—more than double Leclerc’s mileage—Hamilton’s best lap was 1:16.759. This time was nearly two seconds slower than Leclerc’s and 0.8 seconds off his own pace from the previous day.
It’s noteworthy that Lando Norris did not participate in the second day’s session. His benchmark time from Day One remained unbeaten by his teammate Piastri.
Final Standings from Day Two
1. Charles Leclerc – 1:14.971 (74 laps)
2. Oscar Piastri – 1:15.815 (+0.844) (74 laps)
3. Lewis Hamilton – 1:16.759 (+1.788) (152 laps)
Analysis: Adaptation to New Tyre Compounds
Leclerc’s remarkable improvement on the second day suggests a strong adaptability to the evolving tyre characteristics. His ability to extract maximum performance from the new compounds indicates a deep understanding of the car’s dynamics and the modified tyre specifications.
On the other hand, Hamilton’s struggles could point to difficulties in adjusting to the new tyre compounds or the modified car setup. His extensive running indicates a focus on gathering data and understanding the car’s behavior, which is crucial for future development.
McLaren’s performance, highlighted by Norris’s fastest time on Day One and Piastri’s competitive showing, underscores the team’s potential competitiveness. Their ability to challenge Ferrari’s pace in this test bodes well for their prospects under the forthcoming regulations.
Context: Hamilton’s Recent Testing Incident
This tyre test followed a previous testing session at the same circuit, where Hamilton experienced a significant setback. On January 29, 2025, during a private test with Ferrari’s 2023 car (SF-23), Hamilton crashed at Turn 12, causing substantial damage to the car’s suspension and aerodynamic components. The incident occurred around 11 a.m., and while Hamilton emerged unscathed, the damage was extensive enough to prevent teammate Leclerc from conducting his scheduled afternoon session.
The team had to adjust their testing plans, with reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and junior driver Dino Beganovic stepping in to complete the final day of that test. This incident underscored the challenges Hamilton faces in adapting to a new team and car dynamics.
Looking Ahead
The recent Pirelli tyre test provided valuable insights into how drivers and teams are adapting to the forthcoming 2026 regulations. Leclerc’s standout performance positions him as a formidable contender, while Hamilton’s extensive data collection efforts may prove beneficial as Ferrari continues to develop their car. McLaren’s strong showing also indicates that they could be a significant force in the coming seasons.
As teams continue to prepare for the regulatory changes, these testing sessions are crucial for understanding the interplay between car setups and the new tyre specifications. The data gathered will inform development strategies and could play a pivotal role in determining competitiveness in the 2026 season.
In conclusion, the Barcelona tyre test highlighted the evolving dynamics within teams and the broader Formula 1 landscape. Drivers’ adaptability to new technologies and regulations will be key determinants of success as the sport moves into this new era.
