Lewis Hamilton reveals Ferrari ‘experimentation’ after first testing…read more
Lewis Hamilton has expressed enthusiasm about his initial experience with Ferrari following the first day of Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The seven-time world champion completed 70 laps in the morning session, just one lap fewer than his teammate, Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton described the testing as an exciting opportunity to assess the developments made by the team and to familiarize himself with the new car, the SF-25. He emphasized the team’s focus on experimenting with various setups and gathering extensive data to optimize performance. While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions about the car’s competitiveness, Hamilton noted that the initial feel was positive, and the team is diligently working to maximize each run.
Leclerc, who took over in the afternoon session, also reported a productive day, completing laps on either side of a significant delay caused by a power outage at the circuit. He expressed satisfaction with the smooth session and highlighted the team’s efforts during the winter break in developing the SF-25. Leclerc cautioned that it’s premature to make performance assessments but remained optimistic about the data gathered and the plans for the upcoming days.
The power outage, which occurred at 5:05 pm local time, led to a temporary suspension of the session for safety reasons. The circuit attributed the blackout to a failure in an external substation. The session resumed after an hour, extending the testing period until 8 pm. During this time, Lando Norris posted the fastest lap in his McLaren, with George Russell and Max Verstappen following closely.
The SF-25, Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 contender, features a darker shade of Racing Red, inspired by the team’s early racing heritage. The car incorporates a new front suspension design, transitioning from a push-rod to a pull-rod system, aiming for improved aerodynamics and weight distribution. This change marks a significant shift in Ferrari’s technical approach, as the team seeks to enhance performance under the stable regulations.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been a focal point of the pre-season, especially given his long tenure with Mercedes. His arrival at the Bahrain circuit, donning the full Ferrari uniform, underscored his commitment to his new team. Accompanied by his physiotherapist, Angela Cullen, Hamilton maintained his routine, including his vegan diet, as he acclimated to the Ferrari environment. Notably, he chose to retain his iconic number 44, a tribute to his early racing days and his father.
The testing sessions also provided insights into the dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc. Both drivers appeared to collaborate effectively, sharing feedback and working closely with the engineering team. This partnership is anticipated to be pivotal as Ferrari aims to secure its first Drivers’ Championship since 2007.
Despite the day’s progress, analyzing lap times remains challenging due to varying setups, fuel loads, and tire compounds. Teams often use testing sessions to experiment with different configurations, making direct performance comparisons difficult. However, the reliability and consistency demonstrated by Ferrari during the sessions have been encouraging signs for the team and its supporters.
The pre-season testing in Bahrain is scheduled to continue over the next two days, with both drivers alternating sessions to maximize data collection and fine-tune the car’s performance. The insights gained during these sessions will be crucial as the team prepares for the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.
In summary, Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari has been marked by a methodical approach to testing, focusing on data acquisition and car familiarization. Both he and Leclerc have shown a collaborative spirit, working towards optimizing the SF-25’s performance. As the pre-season progresses, the team’s efforts in experimentation and development aim to position Ferrari as a strong contender in the upcoming championship.
