Setback for Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari’s pre-season preparations continue

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton suffered a crash during Ferrari’s private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking a setback in his preparations for the 2025 season.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning as Hamilton was running laps following his test session alongside teammate Charles Leclerc the previous day. Although reports indicate Hamilton was uninjured, the crash caused significant damage to Ferrari’s SF-23 car, delaying further testing.

Crash details: High-speed sector proves challenging

According to trackside reports, Lewis Hamilton lost control of the SF-23 in the final sector of the Barcelona circuit—a stretch featuring two high-speed right-hand corners. The layout was restored to its original fast configuration in 2023 after a chicane had been introduced in 2007.

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The crash happened around 11 a.m. local time, with Hamilton hitting the barriers at speed. The impact caused substantial damage to the car’s suspension and aerodynamic components, requiring extensive repairs. Ferrari engineers are currently assessing the full extent of the damage, with a delay expected before Leclerc resumes testing later in the afternoon.

Ferrari faces disruption ahead of critical testing schedule

Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc are scheduled to hand over driving duties on Thursday to Ferrari’s reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and junior talent Dino Beganovic. However, Ferrari may need to revise its testing plans depending on the timeline for repairs.

The team is set to return to Barcelona next week for a Pirelli tire test, where Hamilton will have a rare opportunity to drive Ferrari’s 2024 car. Under Formula 1 regulations, private tests must use cars that are at least two years old to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage in the current season. However, Hamilton and Leclerc will run a specially modified ‘mule’ car—an advanced version of the SF-24 chassis—designed to simulate the 2026 regulations, which will introduce 50% electrification, fully sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics.

A rare misstep in Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks only the second team switch of his illustrious career, following his transition from McLaren to Mercedes at the end of 2012. Notably, this is not the first time he has crashed during pre-season testing—his first official outing for Mercedes in 2013 also ended in an incident after a brake failure at Jerez.

Despite the setback, Hamilton remains focused on adapting to his new team as Ferrari prepares for the highly anticipated 2025 season.