Hamilton tests Ferrari in Barcelona ahead of 2025 season

Dominika Jordan
Jan 28, 2025, 06:29 AM ET

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari tests continue in Barcelona.

Barcelona, Spain – Lewis Hamilton is deepening his experience as a Ferrari driver during a crucial private test session alongside teammate Charles Leclerc in Barcelona this week.

Ferrari has strategically reserved the Circuit de Catalunya, the renowned host of the Spanish Grand Prix, for three days of rigorous testing from January 28-30.

On Tuesday, fans and analysts saw a glimpse of the action as Ferrari shared an image of Leclerc driving out of the garage in the SF-23 car, which was utilized in the 2023 season.

The testing duties will be shared between Hamilton and Leclerc, though Ferrari has not disclosed specific details about the schedule, underscoring its flexibility due to potential changes.

In compliance with Formula 1's "Testing of Previous Car" (TPC) regulations, current race drivers are restricted to 1000 km of running in older F1 cars annually. Under these rules, Hamilton completed 30 laps (89 km) at Ferrari's Fiorano test track last Wednesday, marking his highly anticipated debut with the Italian giants.

This week, Ferrari released the first images of Hamilton donning the iconic Ferrari race suits, which has sent ripples of excitement throughout the F1 community.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has been at the forefront of F1 media headlines this offseason following his move to Ferrari. Both he and Leclerc are set to participate in a Pirelli tire test at the Barcelona circuit on February 4-5, utilizing a modified 2024 'mule' car.

Despite F1's stringent testing restrictions, Ferrari has ensured Hamilton gets as much track time as the rules permit.

Hamilton's first opportunity to experience Ferrari's 2025 car will come on February 19 during the official launch of the new vehicle. Weather permitting, both Hamilton and Leclerc will undertake laps at Fiorano in the forthcoming challenger.

The official preseason testing will take place in Bahrain from February 26-28, involving Ferrari and the other nine F1 teams, before the circus moves on to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

Reflecting on his initial experiences driving a Ferrari at Fiorano last week, Hamilton shared: "When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car. It was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again."

He continued, expressing his admiration for Ferrari's fervor: "I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi [fans]. But to now witness it first-hand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can't help but be energized by it. I'm so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can't wait to get started."

As Hamilton and the Ferrari team build up to the new season, their collaboration is already generating a buzz, promising an exciting year ahead for fans and the sport.