Lewis Hamilton faced his first major setback as a Ferrari driver during private testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. On the second day of activities, the British driver lost control of the SF-23 and collided with the barriers, damaging the car’s front section, including the chassis and suspension. Despite the impact, Hamilton emerged unscathed, but the team had to cut the testing session short.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. while Hamilton was conducting race simulations to adjust his driving style to Ferrari’s car. The incident caught the team by surprise, prompting engineers to meticulously analyze the possible causes. After an initial evaluation, Ferrari ruled out mechanical failures and attributed the crash to a combination of external factors, including a track bump.
Ferrari regretted the interruption of testing but emphasized that the team is aware of the challenges involved in Hamilton’s adaptation to the new car. According to the engineers, such incidents are common during private tests and are part of the learning process to ensure that the driver has full control of the car before the season begins.
That’s a wrap on this week’s testing 💪 pic.twitter.com/2KBdIME2C6
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 31, 2025
Ferrari explains accident causes and rules out technical problems
The Italian team launched a thorough investigation into the cause of Hamilton’s crash. Initial analyses indicate that the main factor was an irregularity on the track that affected the car’s stability at a critical moment. At high speeds, any bump can compromise tire grip and result in loss of control.
Ferrari’s engineers examined the SF-23’s electronic and aerodynamic systems and found no mechanical failures or defects that could have contributed to the crash. Telemetry data indicated that Hamilton was within the expected performance limits for that section of the track, reinforcing the hypothesis that external factors played a crucial role.
The team assured that measures would be taken to minimize similar risks in the future. Moreover, engineers are working to fine-tune the car’s setup to make it more predictable for Hamilton, facilitating his adaptation to the SF-23’s driving characteristics.
Impact on Ferrari’s testing schedule
The private tests in Barcelona are part of Ferrari’s plan to prepare Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season. However, the crash disrupted part of the schedule, as repairs to the chassis and suspension took longer than expected. As a result, Leclerc was unable to take the wheel in the afternoon session, and the team had to conclude the activities earlier than planned.
To mitigate the setback, Ferrari reorganized its program, assigning Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic to the track the following day. The goal was to collect additional data and compensate for lost time, ensuring the necessary information was gathered before the pre-season collective tests.
Despite the incident, Ferrari remains confident that the impact on car development will be minimal. Engineers already have enough data to refine the SF-23’s configuration and ensure that Hamilton is fully adapted before the season opener.
Ferrari’s stance on Hamilton’s adaptation
Since Hamilton was announced as a Ferrari driver, the team has worked intensively to ensure his adaptation to the new car. The Brit spent over a decade driving Mercedes’ single-seaters, making the transition to Ferrari both a technical and strategic challenge.
Ferrari engineers highlighted that Hamilton is adapting quickly and that the crash is part of that process. The team has been adjusting elements such as driving position, brake pedal sensitivity, and the car’s aerodynamic balance to suit the seven-time world champion’s preferences.
Piero Ferrari, son of the team’s founder, stated that the collaboration between Hamilton and the engineers is progressing as expected. He emphasized that the team is focused on providing the British driver with an ideal environment so he can maximize the SF-23’s potential and contribute to the car’s development throughout the season.
Ferrari’s history of private testing crashes
Ferrari has faced similar challenges in other private tests over the years. Incidents during adaptation sessions are common and play a key role in refining the cars. Notable past cases include:
- 2006: Michael Schumacher crashed during a test in Fiorano while evaluating aerodynamic updates on Ferrari’s car.
- 2015: Sebastian Vettel spun off during his first test session with Ferrari but managed to return to the track without significant damage.
- 2020: Charles Leclerc suffered a hydraulic issue during a private test in Mugello, which led to an off-track excursion and front wing damage.
These incidents demonstrate that even experienced drivers can face difficulties when adapting to new cars. Ferrari uses these situations to enhance the reliability of its single-seaters and ensure that drivers have the best possible conditions throughout the season.
Ferrari’s expectations for the 2025 season
Despite the crash, Ferrari remains confident in its partnership with Hamilton and the potential of the SF-23. The Italian team has been working to close the gap to Red Bull, which has dominated recent Formula 1 seasons. With Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari aims to strengthen its strategy and compete more aggressively for the championship.
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur highlighted that Ferrari’s commitment is to provide Hamilton and Leclerc with a competitive and reliable car. Engineers are analyzing all test data to ensure that the SF-23’s performance is optimized for the first races of the year.
The upcoming collective tests in Bahrain will be crucial in evaluating the adjustments made after Hamilton’s crash. Ferrari plans to use these tests to further refine the car’s setup and ensure that its drivers are ready for the season opener in Australia.
Key points from Ferrari’s position on the accident
- Ferrari rules out mechanical failure as the cause of Hamilton’s crash.
- Team identifies track bump as the main factor behind the incident.
- Testing was halted due to damage to the chassis and suspension.
- Engineers made setup adjustments to facilitate Hamilton’s adaptation.
- Piero Ferrari praises Hamilton’s integration into the team.
Ferrari’s upcoming commitments ahead of 2025
- January 2025: Private testing in Barcelona and Fiorano.
- February 2025: Pirelli tire tests for the 2026 season.
- February 2025: Collective pre-season testing in Bahrain.
- March 2025: First race of the season – Australian Grand Prix.
Ferrari remains focused on ensuring Hamilton’s best possible adaptation and delivering a competitive car for the championship. The team believes that with the right adjustments and an efficient collaborative effort, the partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari can bring the expected results.

Lewis Hamilton faced his first major setback as a Ferrari driver during private testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. On the second day of activities, the British driver lost control of the SF-23 and collided with the barriers, damaging the car’s front section, including the chassis and suspension. Despite the impact, Hamilton emerged unscathed, but the team had to cut the testing session short.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. while Hamilton was conducting race simulations to adjust his driving style to Ferrari’s car. The incident caught the team by surprise, prompting engineers to meticulously analyze the possible causes. After an initial evaluation, Ferrari ruled out mechanical failures and attributed the crash to a combination of external factors, including a track bump.
Ferrari regretted the interruption of testing but emphasized that the team is aware of the challenges involved in Hamilton’s adaptation to the new car. According to the engineers, such incidents are common during private tests and are part of the learning process to ensure that the driver has full control of the car before the season begins.
That’s a wrap on this week’s testing 💪 pic.twitter.com/2KBdIME2C6
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 31, 2025
Ferrari explains accident causes and rules out technical problems
The Italian team launched a thorough investigation into the cause of Hamilton’s crash. Initial analyses indicate that the main factor was an irregularity on the track that affected the car’s stability at a critical moment. At high speeds, any bump can compromise tire grip and result in loss of control.
Ferrari’s engineers examined the SF-23’s electronic and aerodynamic systems and found no mechanical failures or defects that could have contributed to the crash. Telemetry data indicated that Hamilton was within the expected performance limits for that section of the track, reinforcing the hypothesis that external factors played a crucial role.
The team assured that measures would be taken to minimize similar risks in the future. Moreover, engineers are working to fine-tune the car’s setup to make it more predictable for Hamilton, facilitating his adaptation to the SF-23’s driving characteristics.
Impact on Ferrari’s testing schedule
The private tests in Barcelona are part of Ferrari’s plan to prepare Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season. However, the crash disrupted part of the schedule, as repairs to the chassis and suspension took longer than expected. As a result, Leclerc was unable to take the wheel in the afternoon session, and the team had to conclude the activities earlier than planned.
To mitigate the setback, Ferrari reorganized its program, assigning Antonio Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic to the track the following day. The goal was to collect additional data and compensate for lost time, ensuring the necessary information was gathered before the pre-season collective tests.
Despite the incident, Ferrari remains confident that the impact on car development will be minimal. Engineers already have enough data to refine the SF-23’s configuration and ensure that Hamilton is fully adapted before the season opener.
Ferrari’s stance on Hamilton’s adaptation
Since Hamilton was announced as a Ferrari driver, the team has worked intensively to ensure his adaptation to the new car. The Brit spent over a decade driving Mercedes’ single-seaters, making the transition to Ferrari both a technical and strategic challenge.
Ferrari engineers highlighted that Hamilton is adapting quickly and that the crash is part of that process. The team has been adjusting elements such as driving position, brake pedal sensitivity, and the car’s aerodynamic balance to suit the seven-time world champion’s preferences.
Piero Ferrari, son of the team’s founder, stated that the collaboration between Hamilton and the engineers is progressing as expected. He emphasized that the team is focused on providing the British driver with an ideal environment so he can maximize the SF-23’s potential and contribute to the car’s development throughout the season.
Ferrari’s history of private testing crashes
Ferrari has faced similar challenges in other private tests over the years. Incidents during adaptation sessions are common and play a key role in refining the cars. Notable past cases include:
- 2006: Michael Schumacher crashed during a test in Fiorano while evaluating aerodynamic updates on Ferrari’s car.
- 2015: Sebastian Vettel spun off during his first test session with Ferrari but managed to return to the track without significant damage.
- 2020: Charles Leclerc suffered a hydraulic issue during a private test in Mugello, which led to an off-track excursion and front wing damage.
These incidents demonstrate that even experienced drivers can face difficulties when adapting to new cars. Ferrari uses these situations to enhance the reliability of its single-seaters and ensure that drivers have the best possible conditions throughout the season.
Ferrari’s expectations for the 2025 season
Despite the crash, Ferrari remains confident in its partnership with Hamilton and the potential of the SF-23. The Italian team has been working to close the gap to Red Bull, which has dominated recent Formula 1 seasons. With Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari aims to strengthen its strategy and compete more aggressively for the championship.
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur highlighted that Ferrari’s commitment is to provide Hamilton and Leclerc with a competitive and reliable car. Engineers are analyzing all test data to ensure that the SF-23’s performance is optimized for the first races of the year.
The upcoming collective tests in Bahrain will be crucial in evaluating the adjustments made after Hamilton’s crash. Ferrari plans to use these tests to further refine the car’s setup and ensure that its drivers are ready for the season opener in Australia.
Key points from Ferrari’s position on the accident
- Ferrari rules out mechanical failure as the cause of Hamilton’s crash.
- Team identifies track bump as the main factor behind the incident.
- Testing was halted due to damage to the chassis and suspension.
- Engineers made setup adjustments to facilitate Hamilton’s adaptation.
- Piero Ferrari praises Hamilton’s integration into the team.
Ferrari’s upcoming commitments ahead of 2025
- January 2025: Private testing in Barcelona and Fiorano.
- February 2025: Pirelli tire tests for the 2026 season.
- February 2025: Collective pre-season testing in Bahrain.
- March 2025: First race of the season – Australian Grand Prix.
Ferrari remains focused on ensuring Hamilton’s best possible adaptation and delivering a competitive car for the championship. The team believes that with the right adjustments and an efficient collaborative effort, the partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari can bring the expected results.
