Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari during the team’s pre-season testing program in Spain, but fortunately, the seven-time champion emerged unhurt. The incident occurred on Hamilton’s second day of running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he is sharing the car with team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton is still getting accustomed to the Ferrari car, having spent 12 years with Mercedes. Ferrari views the crash as a normal part of the learning process, especially given the significant restrictions imposed on testing in F1. The team is running a limited programme in the 2023 car, the most recent model Hamilton is allowed to drive.
F1’s testing restrictions dictate that current race drivers can complete a maximum of 1,000km (621 miles) of testing in previous cars. Hamilton has already completed 30 laps at the Fiorano test track on January 22, and is continuing to learn Ferrari’s procedures and working methods.
Ferrari will launch their 2025 car at Fiorano on February 19, and will give Hamilton further testing miles before the launch in a Pirelli-run tyre test. The team will also run for two days next week at Barcelona in a 2025 car modified to reflect the effect of the new regulations being introduced for 2026.
The crash is unlikely to hinder Hamilton’s preparations for the upcoming season, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. Ferrari is confident that Hamilton will quickly get up to speed and be ready to challenge for the championship.
