Lewis Hamilton breakthrough as Ferrari’s Barcelona test begin…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari appears to be progressing well, with reports indicating that the team has resolved some initial issues he faced during his first pre-season test. After almost a year since his high-profile move from Mercedes, Hamilton took part in a test at Ferrari’s Fiorano track last week, where he completed 30 laps in the SF-23. The conditions were wet, and Hamilton encountered some challenges with the car’s pedals, which caused him to make a few mistakes on track, including locking up and running wide at key corners. He tried several adjustments during the test, but none fully addressed the issues with comfort and control.
However, Ferrari has reportedly worked hard to fix these pedal-related issues before Hamilton’s second test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which began on January 28. The team’s engineers made significant adjustments between the Fiorano and Barcelona sessions, and it seems that these changes have helped Hamilton get more comfortable behind the wheel. Ferrari’s official social media channels also shared a video of Charles Leclerc exiting the garage in Barcelona, where better weather conditions are expected to aid the testing.
In addition to the pedal issues, it’s understood that Ferrari will also focus on fine-tuning Hamilton’s steering wheel preferences. During the Fiorano test, Hamilton used Leclerc’s steering wheel as a reference point, but reports suggest that the seven-time World Champion may request a more customized version that better suits his personal preferences for button and switch placements. These types of adjustments are common among drivers, as they often have different comfort requirements.
Ferrari’s preparations in Barcelona are set to focus on key performance areas, including tyre wear and race starts. New technical director Loic Serra, who worked closely with Hamilton at Mercedes before joining Ferrari, is expected to bring valuable expertise, especially in suspension components such as torsion bars and shock absorbers. Serra’s deep knowledge of vehicle dynamics and tyres is likely to play a pivotal role in Ferrari’s strategy and car development for the 2025 season.
Tyre behavior, especially in terms of overheating and performance over long stints, is a primary concern for the team. The new 2025 tyres, developed with input from Pirelli, are designed to be more resilient, allowing for longer stints and better consistency throughout a race. Ferrari’s engineers will closely monitor how the tyres perform at various speeds, temperatures, and pressures, as well as how their behavior changes during different stages of a race.
With these focused developments, Ferrari aims to improve their performance and give Hamilton the best possible chance to succeed in his new role as a Scuderia driver. The upcoming Barcelona test will provide more insight into how well these adjustments work in a race environment.
