Lewis Hamilton encountered an unexpected setback during Ferrari's private testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as he lost control of his car and crashed. The seven-time world champion, who recently ended his long-standing partnership with Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, is gearing up for his bid to secure a record-breaking eighth title. However, this incident was far from the ideal beginning to his journey with the Italian team.
Understanding the crash: What went wrong with Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton’s crash occurred on the final sector of the Barcelona circuit, a high-speed stretch reinstated in 2023 after the removal of a chicane that had been in place since 2007. Reports from trackside suggest that the British driver lost control of the SF-23 at one of the right-hand turns, leading to a heavy impact with the barriers around 11 a.m. local time.
Although Lewis Hamilton walked away unscathed, the Ferrari suffered considerable damage, particularly to its suspension and aerodynamic components. The team immediately began analyzing data to determine the exact cause of the crash while working on extensive repairs, which significantly delayed teammate Charles Leclerc’s scheduled track time.
Ferrari’s stance on the incident
Despite the crash, Ferrari remains unfazed, treating it as a natural part of Hamilton’s adaptation to their machinery. Having spent 12 years with Mercedes, the British driver is still acclimating to the handling dynamics and operational methodologies of Ferrari. The team has opted for a cautious approach, focusing on helping Hamilton integrate smoothly into their setup ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in March.
Furthermore, Ferrari is sticking to its original testing program, which involves additional runs with their reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and junior prospect Dino Beganovic. However, there remains a possibility that plans could be altered depending on the extent of the damage to the SF-23.
What’s next for Hamilton and Ferrari?
Despite this hiccup, Lewis Hamilton remains committed to his transition, having already completed laps at Fiorano before heading to Barcelona. Ferrari has more test sessions lined up, including a Pirelli tire test next week, allowing Hamilton additional track time to refine his understanding of the car before the 2025 season officially kicks off.
While the crash wasn’t the ideal start, Ferrari and Hamilton seem unshaken, looking ahead to the bigger goal—returning to the top and securing the long-coveted eighth title.