Toto Wolff says he knows exactly why Hamilton’s Ferrari testing crash:is due to…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s recent private test session with Ferrari in Barcelona took an unexpected turn when the seven-time world champion crashed the SF-23, a car from Ferrari’s 2023 season. The incident, which resulted in damage to the front wing and suspension, occurred when Hamilton lost control and hit the barriers. While the crash may have raised some eyebrows, it is not a major concern for Ferrari, particularly given the context of the test session.
The SF-23, which was known for its challenging handling characteristics, had been a handful for Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz throughout the 2023 season. One of the main issues with the car was its “aero peakiness,” which made it difficult to control in certain conditions. Ferrari had spent much of 2024 working on improvements to make the car more balanced and stable, but it was clear that the SF-23 still had its quirks.
Despite the challenges posed by the SF-23, Hamilton’s crash is not being seen as a major setback. The private test session was designed to push the car to its limits and provide Hamilton with valuable experience before his full-time switch to Ferrari in 2025. Ferrari likely wanted to see how the British driver adapted to the car’s unique characteristics while gathering data on its performance in extreme situations.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Hamilton has encountered difficulties when switching teams. In 2013, during his first test with Mercedes at Jerez, he also suffered an early crash—just 15 laps into the session. That incident was caused by a failure in the rear brakes, which resulted in Hamilton losing control and going off the track. The crash even led to flames emerging from the car as unburnt fuel ignited in the exhaust.
However, that setback did not hinder Hamilton’s success with Mercedes. After leaving McLaren in 2012, he quickly adapted to his new team, and with the introduction of the hybrid era in 2014, he went on to win multiple world championships. His time with Mercedes ultimately cemented his status as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.
Hamilton’s crash in the Ferrari test is likely to be seen in a similar light—a minor setback in an otherwise crucial learning process. His ability to bounce back from challenges has been a defining trait of his career, and this incident will likely be just another step in his journey with Ferrari.
Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former team principal at Mercedes, has weighed in on the incident, saying that he knows exactly why it happened. While Wolff did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind the crash, it is clear that he has faith in Hamilton’s ability to adapt to the Ferrari and overcome any challenges that come his way.
As Hamilton continues to get accustomed to the Ferrari, he will undoubtedly face more challenges along the way. However, given his impressive track record and ability to bounce back from setbacks, it is likely that he will emerge from this experience an even stronger and more formidable driver.
The Ferrari test session was a crucial step in Hamilton’s preparation for the 2025 season, and despite the crash, he will have gained valuable insight into the car’s behavior and performance. As he continues to work with Ferrari, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the team’s culture and philosophy, and how he navigates the challenges that come with driving for a new team.
Ultimately, Hamilton’s crash in the Ferrari test is a minor blip on the radar of his illustrious career. With his incredible talent, dedication, and ability to overcome adversity, he is sure to emerge from this experience an even stronger and more successful driver.
