Shocking incident in Barcelona: Lewis Hamilton crashes Ferrari SF23 during test!

Ferrari driver, Lewis Hamilton had a huge crash during the official testing session in Barcelona. The British F1 driver tested the SF23 car on a real race track in Spain on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. During that time, Hamilton crashed his car into the barriers on the final corner but was fine and unharmed. 

Crashes happen very often during testing sessions as the drivers understand the actual limits of the car and adjust accordingly before the season starts.

Hamilton's Ferrari journey starts with a Crash

Though Lewis was out of the car unharmed, the 2023 Ferrari car had significant damage. The crash has now spoiled Ferrari’s plans for the next few days because the TPC (Testing Previous car) was limited to only four days per year.

The Maranello-based team had planned to test their drivers and car in Barcelona for three days. The crash happened on the second day as Hamilton was getting used to the new steering controls, handling, and other elements.

Hamilton has had an accident with all his teams before his official debut

McLaren (2007) in Valencia
Mercedes (2013) in Jerez
Ferrari (2025) in Barcelona

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The seven-time world champion was preparing for his first official team debut outside the Mercedes family. Before getting inside an actual Ferrari car for this year, he needs to learn the controls, Steering, System maps and team working culture to make himself comfortable as the season commences. The crash occurred during this time but it is not new or Hamilton. He already had crashes in pre-season testing events for both McLaren and Mercedes.

But the crash won't stop Hamilton or Ferrari from continuing their tests as they will return to the track tomorrow with a new set of plans to finish the testing event on a high note. He has already completed 200 km of testing on the Maranello race track. Only 1000 km are allowed for each driver, so he still has many kilometres of testing left. 

Once the testing session is completed, Hamilton and Leclerc will prepare for the 2025 F1 car launch event in London on February 18th. The 2025 F1 season will be the 75 years of Formula 1 and the organizers are planning to launch all 20 cars on the same day and same time. This season also marks the end of the hybrid era that started in the 2014 season. 

Also Read: 'I was lucky'- Esteban Ocon recalls incredible energy in Maranello during Hamilton's Ferrari test