Lewis Hamilton suffered a minor setback in testing for Ferrari after crashing in Barcelona on Wednesday.
The seven-time world champion has begun preparations at the Maranello outfit for the 2025 season. Hamilton drove 90km in the SF-23 at the Fiorano Circuit last week.
The 40-year-old has been completing a three-day test programme this week in Barcelona alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. Ferrari told Hamilton to push the car to its limits after not being able to do so at Fiorano.
Ferrari are also working on tyre management with Hamilton as it was a key weakness he suffered at Mercedes.
But on Wednesday, the Brit’s testing ground to a halt after he crashed the SF-23 into the barriers. The car was taken back to the pits for repairs as Leclerc’s outing was scrapped.
Damon Hill issues ‘crashing bore’ verdict on Lewis Hamilton’s Barcelona crash for Ferrari
Ferrari are playing down the crash as a ‘minor’ incident, with the team saying Hamilton was ‘absolutely fine’ afterwards. The incident will raise question marks given he comes off the back of his lowest finish in F1 in 2024, but of course, it may not have been caused by driver error.
His accident in Barcelona continues a noticeable trend in the Brit’s career. Hamilton crashed in testing for Mercedes at Jerez in 2013 after joining the Silver Arrows from McLaren.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family
The 40-year-old also crashed in his first outing in the MP4-22 for the Woking-based outfit in 2007 at Valencia. Hamilton lost control down the pit straight and hit the barriers at a speed close to 300km/h.
Following this accident in his rookie year, he would go on to win his first championship the next season. After crashing with Mercedes in testing in 2013, Hamilton won the 2014 title – he would go on to win six of the next seven titles and break numerous records.
This trend has led many to ponder if the Brit will now the 2026 title and repeat the feat from his time at McLaren and Mercedes. Damon Hill certainly thought this as he posted on his Instagram story: ‘A crashing bore?’ as he reacted to the history of Hamilton’s testing crashes.
How Charles Leclerc’s ‘struggle’ in qualifying may cost Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
The intra-battle between Hamilton and Leclerc will be one of the most exciting of the 2025 season. The former will be looking to stamp his authority and make a quick start to life at Ferrari.
His teammate is well-established at the Maranello outfit as Leclerc heads into his seventh season with Ferrari. The Monagasque driver will be looking to push on after missing out on second in the standings to Lando Norris last season.
| Position | Drivers’ Championship | Points |
| 1 |
Max Verstappen |
437 |
| 2 |
Lando Norris |
374 |
| 3 |
Charles Leclerc |
356 |
| 4 |
Oscar Piastri |
292 |
| 5 |
Carlos Sainz Jr |
290 |
| 6 |
George Russell |
245 |
| 7 |
Lewis Hamilton |
223 |
| 8 |
Sergio Perez |
152 |
| 9 |
Fernando Alonso |
70 |
| 10 |
Pierre Gasly |
42 |
Hamilton and Leclerc will have to earn No.1 status at Ferrari, with the team set to give equal treatment to their drivers – at least for the first few races of the season.
Leclerc may have an initial advantage given his teammate’s struggles in qualifying last season.. Mercedes felt Hamilton pushed too hard on Saturdays which ultimately cost him Q3 appearances on six occasions in 2024.
Leclerc hinted that Hamilton may struggle at Ferrari as the Monagasque driver admitted he finds it difficult on low-grip circuits. If the 40-year-old’s issues carry over from Mercedes, it will be hard to see past Leclerc being the No.1 at Ferrari.
