Lewis Hamilton has completed his third test stint since joining Ferrari, but he trailed teammate Charles Leclerc on the final day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, 40, has had a busy schedule, having already tested Ferrari’s 2023 SF-23 car in Fiorano and Barcelona earlier this month. This week, Hamilton participated in a two-day Pirelli tyre test at the Spanish circuit, driving a modified version of last year’s SF-24 car to accommodate the narrower 2026-spec tyres.
On Tuesday, Hamilton posted a fastest lap of 1:15.93 over 87 laps, slightly quicker than Leclerc’s 1:16.06, which came after 86 laps. However, both drivers were outpaced by Lando Norris, who set a blistering 1:15.21 with McLaren’s MCL60, the modified 2023 car. Norris completed 159 laps in total during the day.
On Wednesday, Leclerc topped the time sheets with a lap time of 1:14.971, while Hamilton struggled to improve, posting a 1:16.759, nearly 0.8 seconds slower than his best time on Tuesday. Though lap times are not the primary focus of these tests, with each driver following different testing programmes on behalf of Pirelli, Hamilton’s performance continues to show signs of improvement as he adjusts to life with Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles with Mercedes.
Hamilton’s week was not without incident, as he crashed the SF-23 during Ferrari’s behind-closed-doors test in Barcelona last week. Fortunately, the British driver was unharmed after the shunt, which took place in sector three of the 4.6km circuit. Hamilton has had a history of crashes during pre-season testing when joining new teams, as he also had incidents in 2007 with McLaren and in 2013 with Mercedes.
The tyre test conducted by Pirelli was centred around developing the new slick tyres ahead of the 2026 regulations, with new engine and chassis rules set to be implemented next year. Specific details about each driver’s tyre compound usage and test programme have not been disclosed.
Looking ahead, Hamilton’s next outing is scheduled for Ferrari’s 2025 car launch on Wednesday, 19 February, with a filming day at the team’s Fiorano track. He will also take part in the official pre-season test in Bahrain from 26-28 February.
Ferrari will unveil their livery a day earlier at the 10-team season launch event at The O2 Arena in London on 18 February. Hamilton’s first race for Ferrari will be at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 16 March. This is a race where Hamilton has enjoyed success in the past, winning twice at Albert Park.
