Lewis Hamilton has experienced a crash while participating in Ferrari's pre-season testing in Spain. The seven-time Formula 1 champion lost control of the team's 2023 car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday, though he emerged uninjured from the incident.
Ferrari chose not to comment on the crash, which occurred during Hamilton's second day behind the wheel at the Spanish circuit, where he is sharing driving duties with team-mate Charles Leclerc. The team is working diligently to integrate Hamilton effectively before the new season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16.
Despite the crash, Ferrari views the situation as normal as Hamilton adjusts to the characteristics of a new car after spending 12 years with Mercedes, all while adhering to stringent testing limitations imposed in Formula 1. As part of their 2023 program, Ferrari is limited in test runs, allowing just 1,000 kilometers (approximately 621 miles) for current race drivers to test previous car models.
Prior to testing in Barcelona, Hamilton had completed 30 laps at the team's Fiorano private circuit on January 22. The recent testing aids him in familiarizing himself with Ferrari's operational protocols and building rapport with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, as well as the engineering team.
Looking forward, Ferrari plans to unveil their 2025 car at Fiorano on February 19, following F1's official season launch event at the O2 in London. Additionally, Hamilton will have more chances for test runs in a Pirelli tire evaluation, with further two-day testing scheduled for next week at Barcelona, focusing on modifications in line with new regulations set to be introduced in 2026.
In parallel, McLaren is also conducting a similar Pirelli test at Paul Ricard in France as the tire manufacturer looks to finalize its 2026 product offerings.
