Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s first lap times revealed after…read more
The first day of testing for Ferrari at their private Fiorano circuit has wrapped up, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton getting their first taste of track action for the 2025 season. As the two drivers, who both have championship aspirations, look ahead to the new campaign, the focus is on how Ferrari will manage the delicate balance of having two highly competitive drivers within their ranks.
Leclerc, Ferrari’s current lead driver, enters his seventh season with the Scuderia, after a career that has seen him regularly compete at the front of the field. The Monegasque driver has come close to winning the Drivers’ Championship in previous seasons, most notably finishing as runner-up in 2022. However, following a strong finish to the 2024 season, where he emerged as one of the most in-form drivers on the grid, Leclerc is now more determined than ever to secure his first world title. With the 2025 season potentially providing Ferrari with a competitive car, Leclerc is eager to take full advantage of any opportunity.
In what could be his toughest challenge yet, Leclerc will have to contend with Lewis Hamilton as his teammate this year. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, brings immense experience and a relentless drive to win. The addition of the Briton to Ferrari has raised questions about how the team will handle the dynamic between the two drivers, both of whom are known for their ambition and desire for success. Despite their shared goal of winning, they are also keen to maintain a competitive edge over each other, and their relationship will likely evolve throughout the season.
The Fiorano test, which took place in less-than-ideal conditions, was the first opportunity for both drivers to get a feel for Ferrari’s 2025 car. The weather in Italy on Wednesday morning made things tricky, as wet conditions forced both Leclerc and Hamilton to use Pirelli’s wet-weather tires. The team was unable to switch to dry tires during the session, limiting the drivers’ ability to fully push the car to its limits in dry conditions. However, despite the challenging circumstances, both drivers were eager to get valuable mileage under their belts.
Leclerc’s performance was solid, though he struggled to improve his time given the slippery conditions. The report from Autoracer indicated that Leclerc’s best lap time during the session was not as fast as expected due to the wet tires, as he was unable to make the switch to the dry Pirelli Academy tires during the session. While Leclerc’s time was respectable considering the conditions, it left him with plenty of work to do ahead of the upcoming tests and races.
Hamilton, on the other hand, made the most of the situation. He completed a total of 30 laps during the session and was able to take advantage of the track conditions improving as the morning wore on. As the circuit began to dry, Hamilton’s laps became progressively faster, showcasing his ability to adapt to changing conditions and maintain performance throughout the session.
While both drivers will be analyzing their individual data and comparing lap times closely, it is clear that Ferrari has an exciting and competitive pairing for the 2025 season. As the team continues to test and refine their car, Leclerc and Hamilton will be looking to maximize their performance in the hope of securing the elusive championship. The dynamic between the two drivers will undoubtedly be one of the key storylines to follow throughout the season as Ferrari seeks to challenge for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles.
