Lewis Hamilton was 13th fastest for Ferrari on the opening day of pre-season testing. The seven-time world champion was 1.4 seconds off the pace of title-chasing Lando Norris.
Hamilton won’t be looking at the lap times yet. While traditional frontrunners Norris, George Russell, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc led the way, Oscar Piastri was down in 17th – a sign that the leaderboard wasn’t representative.
It’s possible that every driver will complete a low-fuel qualifying effort before the end of the three days, which would be more representative. For now, though, Hamilton’s tally of 70 laps is what matters most.
The 40-year-old is back in the car on Thursday morning, with Leclerc once again taking over after lunch. Ferrari have yet to confirm their run plan for the final day.
The handling of the Ferrari didn’t look especially smooth on day one, but gusty conditions in Bahrain caused problems for a few drivers. It’s natural that Hamilton is still adapting to the car.
On that theme, Hamilton has asked Ferrari to change his steering wheel ahead of testing. He’d already driven the 2023, ’24 and ’25 machines this winter, but this will be the most significant running.
Ted Kravitz has never seen what Ferrari have done to Lewis Hamilton’s front wing
Speaking during the first hour of day two, Ted Kravitz shared his observations on Hamilton’s Ferrari from the pit lane. They were one of many teams to start the day with aero probes.
But Kravitz was particularly intrigued by Ferrari’s device, which he’d never seen before. He suspects they were measuring the airflow to the central section of the floor.
The FIA have already confirmed that a new technical directive relating to the front wings will be introduced from June’s Spanish Grand Prix onwards. There will be stricter controls on their flexibility.
Different teams have been exploiting the loophole to different degrees. But the consensus is that the directive could have a significant impact on the competitive landscape.
“Let’s have a look at this aero probe on the front wing,” Kravitz said. “It’s quite peculiar, and unlike something I’ve ever seen.
“It’s a head-on probe measuring the air as it hits the central section of the nose. It’s very low to the ground as well, so Hamilton has had to be careful on those last three or four laps not to do any kerb strikes, not to get the car any closer to something that’s going to upset that.
“The airflow is crucial in terms of feeding the central part of the floor, and the throat of the car, getting the maximum airflow underneath to be worked by the floor. I’ve never actually seen two probes like that at that point of the front wing.”
What Mercedes insiders are whispering about Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari car
Hamilton has radiated positivity and energy in his press appearances for Ferrari, according to observers. It’s a marked change from the end of last year, when he looked more deflated than ever.
Of course, that feeling will only persist if his new team have delivered a contending car. And there’s some disagreement on that issue in the F1 paddock.
A report at the start of the week claimed that Ferrari are entering the year as favourites after edging ahead of McLaren over the winter. But Hamilton’s former team aren’t so sure.
Mercedes insiders are unimpressed by the new Ferrari, while Helmut Marko called the SF-25 ‘disappointing’. It’s still early to draw conclusions, and only qualifying in Australia will present a firm picture of the pecking order.
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