Lewis Hamilton’s early shunt during Ferrari’s second Formula 1 test day in Barcelona has thrown a wrench into the team’s plans, cutting the day’s running short. The Scuderia had been utilizing the track time in Catalunya to maximize their usage of the new, stricter regulations surrounding ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ for current Formula 1 drivers.
Last week, Ferrari had already covered 131km at Fiorano with Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc behind the wheel of the SF-23 car from the 2023 season. Additional running was scheduled for Barcelona, where both drivers were slated to continue their testing. However, Hamilton’s unfortunate crash at Turn 12 around 11 am on Tuesday caused significant damage to the front end of the car, including the suspension and bodywork.
With Leclerc set to take over in the afternoon, the team was hopeful that repairs could be completed swiftly enough to allow him some track time by the end of the day. Unfortunately, diminishing daylight hampered visibility, and the rebuilding process took longer than expected, forcing both Hamilton and Leclerc to leave Barcelona prematurely.
The schedule for Ferrari’s final day of testing this week remains unchanged, with main reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and protege Dino Beganovic set to share driving duties on Thursday. Beganovic, a Prema driver and member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020, is on the cusp of securing an FIA superlicence after winning the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine in 2022 and achieving notable results in recent Formula 3 campaigns.
Given the circumstances, it is likely that Ferrari will have the opportunity to run Hamilton and Leclerc with the SF-23 car for one more day in 2025 under the TPC regulations. The team may also leverage the upcoming Pirelli test scheduled for February 4-5, in which McLaren is also participating, to extend their time at Barcelona and complete their fourth day of testing.
Looking ahead, Beganovic’s promising trajectory in the Ferrari Driver Academy positions him as a potential participant in Free Practice 1 sessions this season, in compliance with regulations mandating rookie driver usage on four occasions throughout the year. As for Hamilton and Leclerc, their unexpected exit from Barcelona serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 testing and the resilience required in the face of setbacks.
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, every moment on track is invaluable, and every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and adaptation. As Ferrari regroups and recalibrates following Hamilton’s shunt, the team remains steadfast in their pursuit of performance excellence, fueled by the unwavering determination of their drivers and the unwavering support of fans worldwide.
