The Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari era is picking up steam.
In a major step toward his 2025 Formula 1 switch, Hamilton completed his first proper track session in Ferrari’s 2024 car, the SF-24, during a Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona.
Having previously tested the older SF-23, this was Hamilton’s first hands-on experience with the very machine that Ferrari raced last season—and his fastest glimpse yet into what awaits him at Maranello.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Track Time: A Glimpse into 2025
Hamilton logged 87 laps around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, setting a best time of 1:15.93s—a lap that was over a tenth quicker than teammate Charles Leclerc, who completed 86 laps during his own session.
🚨 Key Highlights from Hamilton’s Ferrari Test
✅ First full test in the 2024 Ferrari SF-24
✅ Completed 87 laps, fastest time: 1:15.93s
✅ Leclerc ran later in the day, clocking a best time over a tenth slower
✅ Pirelli tyre development test focused on 2026 regulations
This marks a significant shift from Hamilton’s previous Ferrari runs, where he only had limited track time in the older SF-23—including a Barcelona session last week that ended in a crash.
Why Ferrari Ran a Modified SF-24
Ferrari’s test wasn’t just about Hamilton. The team used a modified SF-24, featuring a 20% downforce reduction to simulate F1’s 2026 regulations, when Pirelli’s new tyres will debut.
This lower-downforce setup is meant to prepare teams for F1’s upcoming rule changes, which will significantly alter car handling, aerodynamics, and tyre characteristics.
For Hamilton, this means early adaptation to Ferrari’s engineering philosophy—even if the car isn’t running at full 2024-spec performance.
Barcelona: A Testing Hotspot for F1’s Top Teams
Ferrari wasn’t the only team pushing mileage in Barcelona.
🏎 McLaren was also on track, using a mule version of their 2024 title-winning MCL60 (minus sponsorship decals). Lando Norris put in a massive 159 laps, setting the quickest time of the day at 1:15.21s.
Norris will hand over to Oscar Piastri on Wednesday, continuing McLaren’s data-gathering for 2026.
Ferrari’s Testing Woes: Hamilton’s Crash Cost Leclerc Valuable Track Time
Ferrari had initially planned a dual program, allowing both Hamilton and Leclerc to run together in Barcelona.
However, Hamilton’s crash last week in the SF-23 at Fiorano disrupted Ferrari’s schedule, leading to a reshuffle that prevented Leclerc from getting additional running in the older car.
This left Leclerc limited to his Barcelona run in the SF-24, while Hamilton got extended time in Ferrari machinery—a key step as he prepares for his biggest career move yet.
What This Means for Hamilton & Ferrari’s Future
🔴 Hamilton’s Ferrari transition is progressing rapidly
🔴 Getting early mileage in the SF-24 helps accelerate his adaptation
🔴 Ferrari’s 2026-focused testing suggests a long-term development strategy
🔴 McLaren remains a serious rival, with Norris setting the benchmark lap
Hamilton’s official Ferrari debut in 2025 is still months away, but this test is proof—he’s already laying the groundwork for success.
And with McLaren and Red Bull pushing hard, Ferrari needs every edge they can get.
