Lewis Hamilton's message to Ferrari engineers after 124mph testing crash at Circuit de Catalunya

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Lewis Hamilton Pushes Boundaries with Ferrari in Barcelona Despite High-Speed Crash

Lewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari for the 2025 season is already in full swing, as the seven-time world champion immerses himself in testing and acclimatization. However, his latest outing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya took an unexpected turn when a high-speed crash at Turn 12 on Wednesday prematurely ended his session.

Taking to the track in Ferrari's SF-23 as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) program, Hamilton was scheduled to complete a series of runs in the morning before passing the car over to his soon-to-be teammate, Charles Leclerc. The test was meant to provide valuable insights into Ferrari's operations and car characteristics ahead of the Briton's full-time integration into the team next year.

Unfortunately, the plan was derailed when Lewis Hamilton lost control of the car and hit the barriers at approximately 124mph. The damage proved too extensive to repair in time, forcing Ferrari to cancel the Monegasque’s stint altogether. Despite this setback, Ferrari pressed forward with their testing schedule, allowing Antonio Giovinazzi and young talent Dino Beganovic to take over driving duties on Thursday.

Initial assessments suggest that Hamilton's crash may not have been due to driver error but rather an uneven section of the circuit. Regardless, the 40-year-old will be eager to iron out any such issues before his highly anticipated debut in red at the Australian Grand Prix in March.

Leclerc, meanwhile, took the cancellation of his test day in stride. The Monegasque driver remains unfazed, as he is entitled to participate in another TPC session later in the season or during the winter. Ferrari, on the other hand, is considering an additional test in Barcelona next week as part of a Pirelli tyre development program. If they opt for another TPC session on top of that, it would prevent Hamilton from taking part in mid-season testing due to regulatory restrictions limiting teams to 1,000km of running across four days.

Hamilton Shares Encouraging Feedback with Ferrari Despite Incident

Despite his untimely crash, Hamilton reportedly conveyed “very positive impressions” to Ferrari engineers following his run. The Briton is set to experience an unconventional car setup during next week's tyre test, as Ferrari and Pirelli work together to trial 2026-spec rubber. These tests will incorporate aerodynamic modifications designed to replicate the downforce levels expected under the new regulations, giving the former Mercedes man an early glimpse of what to expect from the next generation of F1 cars.

This rigorous testing program is all part of Ferrari's strategic effort to ensure Hamilton's seamless integration into the team. The Scuderia is keen to familiarize him with their unique operating procedures and help him adapt to the nuances of their machinery. Reports from the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that the British driver has already been working on perfecting Ferrari's start procedure and refining his clutch-release technique—an area where former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz encountered difficulties.

Additionally, Hamilton has been adjusting to Ferrari's braking system, which employs different brake disc specifications compared to what he was accustomed to at Mercedes. Even though his track time was cut short, he reportedly found the car's performance well-suited to his aggressive driving style, particularly in terms of late braking and corner entry speed—key strengths that have defined his career.

Ferrari Identifies Key Areas of Improvement for Lewis Hamilton Ahead of 2025 F1 campaign

While Lewis Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari has generated immense excitement, it also comes with high expectations. His final season with Mercedes in 2024 was underwhelming, with just two race victories and five podium finishes, ultimately resulting in his lowest championship position—seventh—since his F1 debut. With question marks lingering over how he will fare at Ferrari, the team is working diligently to address his areas of weakness.

One major focus is Hamilton's tyre management, an area where he faced challenges at Mercedes in recent seasons. Ferrari's technical team is determined to help him refine his approach, ensuring he can maximize tyre longevity over race distances.

Another hot topic has been Hamilton's age, with some questioning whether he can maintain peak physical condition at 40 years old. Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has suggested that Hamilton may struggle to keep up with the demands of the sport as he grows older. However, Piero Ferrari—son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari—has dismissed such concerns, expressing full confidence in Hamilton's ability to remain competitive. According to Piero, Lewis Hamilton's superior fitness and mental resilience will allow him to excel at Maranello, regardless of his age.

With months of preparation still ahead, Hamilton's journey with Ferrari is only just beginning. His early impressions indicate that the adaptation process is progressing well, despite the minor setback in Barcelona. Now, the focus shifts to further refining his skills, ensuring that when the lights go out in Melbourne, he is ready to launch his Ferrari career in dominant fashion.

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