In an unexpected turn of events, Formula 1's seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton crashed a Ferrari during the team's pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Thankfully, Hamilton emerged from the incident unscathed as he lost control of the 2023 car on his second day behind the wheel.
While Ferrari has chosen to remain tight-lipped regarding the crash, they view the accident as a normal part of Hamilton's adjustment to the new vehicle after spending 12 years with Mercedes. The team is eager to integrate Hamilton effectively before the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16.
F1's testing restrictions allow current competitors to run a maximum of 1,000 kilometers with previously-used vehicles. In January, Hamilton managed 30 laps at the team's Fiorano test track before heading to Barcelona for three days of practice with his teammate, Charles Leclerc.
As Hamilton familiarizes himself with Ferrari's systems and develops rapport with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, the team is engaged in a limited program with the 2023 car. Their next big unveiling for the 2025 model will take place at Fiorano on February 19, following F1's season launch in London. As part of his training, Hamilton will also participate in an upcoming Pirelli tire test in preparation for the new regulations rolling out in 2026.
