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Lewis Hamilton Crashes Ferrari SF-23 in Dramatic Barcelona Test Shake-Up

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Picture: Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari hit an early setback after the seven-time Formula 1 champion crashed during a private test session in Barcelona. The incident, which occurred on the second day of Ferrari’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, brought the Scuderia’s running to an abrupt halt.

Hamilton was driving a modified version of Ferrari’s 2023 challenger, the SF-23, when he lost control in the third sector of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The crash took place around 11 a.m. local time, resulting in damage to the car’s suspension and aerodynamic components. Fortunately, Hamilton emerged unscathed from the incident.

Ferrari immediately recovered the car and began assessing the cause of the crash. The testing session, which was supposed to feature Charles Leclerc later in the day, was put on hold as mechanics worked to repair the SF-23. However, delays meant that Leclerc was unable to get any track time before nightfall.

Picture: Ferrari

The Barcelona test was initially scheduled to allow Hamilton and Leclerc to accumulate mileage under the TPC regulations, which limit teams to 1,000km of testing across four days using cars that are at least two years old. Before the crash, Ferrari had already conducted limited running at Fiorano last week, where Hamilton completed just 89km in his first experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car.

Wednesday’s crash forced a premature end to Hamilton’s session, with Ferrari’s mechanics unable to repair the SF-23 in time for Leclerc to complete his planned stint. As a result, both Hamilton and Leclerc left Barcelona, leaving Ferrari’s reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and junior driver Dino Beganovic to take over for the final day of testing.

Despite the setback, Ferrari is expected to continue its pre-season preparations, with another test scheduled for February 4-5 as part of Pirelli’s tire testing program. This session, which McLaren will also participate in, could provide Hamilton and Leclerc with additional track time before the official F1 pre-season testing begins.

While the crash is unlikely to have a significant impact on Ferrari’s long-term plans, it highlights the challenges Hamilton faces in adapting to his new team. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the former Mercedes star as he prepares to fight for an eighth world championship in Ferrari red.