Lewis Hamilton Unhurt After Ferrari Crash in Pre-Season Testing
Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton escaped unscathed after losing control of his Ferrari during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. The incident occurred on Wednesday, marking Hamilton’s second day of testing with the team.
Ferrari opted not to provide a statement regarding the crash, which occurred as Hamilton familiarized himself with the car alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. The team sees the incident as a common occurrence as Hamilton adjusts to a new car after more than a decade with Mercedes, especially considering the limited testing opportunities in Formula 1.
The crash took place as Ferrari aimed to integrate Hamilton into the team efficiently before the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. The team is working with a restricted testing program for the 2023 car, the latest model that Hamilton is permitted to drive.
Before the Barcelona testing, Hamilton completed 30 laps at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track on January 22. The team is now focused on helping Hamilton acclimate to Ferrari’s procedures and working methods, as well as establishing a strong relationship with his race engineer Riccardo Adami and the engineering team.
Ferrari is scheduled to unveil their 2025 car at Fiorano on February 19, a day after the F1 season launch event in London. Hamilton will have additional testing opportunities in a tire test organized by Pirelli before the official car launch.
Next week, Ferrari will conduct testing at Barcelona on February 4-5 using a modified 2025 car that reflects the new regulations set to be introduced in 2026. This testing will provide Hamilton with valuable experience as he prepares for the upcoming season.
