Lewis Hamilton Crashes Ferrari F1 Car During Private Barcelona Test
In a surprising turn of events, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton experienced a setback during his private testing session with Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this week. The British driver, who recently made the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, crashed a modified version of Ferrari’s 2023 car, the SF-23, during the second day of his three-day test.
The Incident
The crash occurred around 11 am local time as Hamilton was navigating the third sector of the Barcelona circuit, a section known for its high-speed right-hand turns. The car hit the barriers, resulting in significant damage to the suspension and aerodynamic bodywork. Fortunately, Hamilton emerged unscathed from the incident and was able to climb out of the car unaided.
The SF-23 was quickly towed back to the pits, where Ferrari’s engineering team began assessing the damage and analyzing the data to determine the cause of the crash. The team, led by deputy team principal Jerome D’Ambrosio and new technical director Loic Serra, is working to repair the car as quickly as possible to minimize delays in the testing schedule.
Impact on Testing Schedule
Hamilton’s crash has disrupted Ferrari’s planned testing program. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, was scheduled to take over driving duties later in the day, but his run has been delayed while the team works on the damaged car. Ferrari’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session, which allows teams to use cars that are two years old or more, is crucial for preparing for the 2025 season. The team is allowed only four days and 1,000 kilometers of running with their race drivers, making every moment on track valuable.
To save time, Ferrari’s TPC team will swap in Leclerc’s seat, pedals, and steering wheel while repairs are underway. The test is scheduled to run until Thursday, with reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and junior star Dino Beganovic set to take over driving duties on the final day. However, it remains unclear whether Ferrari will adjust its plans following Hamilton’s crash.
Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari
This incident marks Hamilton’s second test with Ferrari, following his first outing at the team’s Fiorano test track last week. The Barcelona test was intended to take advantage of better weather conditions compared to the cold and wet conditions at Fiorano. Hamilton’s crash is a minor setback in his preparations for the 2025 season, but the veteran driver is no stranger to overcoming challenges.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is only the second team switch of his illustrious career. His first came at the end of 2012 when he left McLaren for Mercedes, a move that ultimately led to six of his seven world championships. The 40-year-old is now focused on adapting to his new team and car as he aims to add to his legacy in Formula 1.
Looking Ahead
Ferrari is set to return to Barcelona next week for a Pirelli tyre test, where Hamilton will have the rare opportunity to drive the team’s 2024 car. This test will be crucial for Pirelli’s development of new tyres for the 2026 season, which will see F1 embrace 50% electrification, fully sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. Hamilton and Leclerc will drive a modified version of the SF-24 chassis, known as a ‘mule’ car, to simulate the downforce and performance levels of the 2026 cars.
While the crash is undoubtedly a setback, Hamilton’s experience and resilience will be key as he continues to adapt to his new environment. Ferrari fans will be hoping that this incident is just a minor bump in the road as the team prepares for a new era with one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Stay tuned for more updates on Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari and the team’s preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
