Leclerc Leads as Hamilton Starts Ferrari Journey in Spain

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc take to Barcelona’s track, with Hamilton diving into his first major Ferrari test session.

After the massive media buzz surrounding his first test with Ferrari at Fiorano, Lewis Hamilton is back in Barcelona this week for more in-depth testing.

While Charles Leclerc began the morning session with a Ferrari SF-23, Hamilton took over in the afternoon with the same car, although the Scuderia also prepared a 2022 F1-75 as a backup.

Ferrari has not yet disclosed lap times or the number of laps completed, at least for now.

Both drivers are allowed a total of 1,000 kilometers for the year (over a maximum of four days) using older ground-effect F1 cars, and each had already covered a few dozen kilometers during the Fiorano session.

Since Ferrari used one of its TPC days with Hamilton and Leclerc last week (covering 220 kilometers), if the team completes all three days with the SF-23 in Barcelona, it will reach the regulatory limit for its regular drivers (a maximum of 780 kilometers, equivalent to 167 laps).

Out of the spotlight, Hamilton is now tackling his real adaptation to his new team. Following the Fiorano tests, he already requested adjustments to the pedal position—a complex operation that appears to have been successful.

This week, Hamilton’s goal is to get accustomed to the car, the team, his engineers, and various procedures. He will focus on tire wear and how the Ferrari handles it, practice starts, and continue learning the steering wheel functions and their features.

What the test does not allow is the evaluation of current or new components, as the regulations restrict the parts that can be used.

There is also limited value in focusing heavily on tires, as these TPC tests must be conducted on Pirelli tires specifically designed for this type of running (less performant) rather than race weekend tires.

Beyond the three days Ferrari will complete in Barcelona, Hamilton and Leclerc will take part in additional Pirelli 2026 tire tests alongside McLaren next Tuesday and Wednesday (February 4 and 5).

These sessions will take place in a modified SF-24, adjusted to simulate the downforce and performance characteristics of the 2026 F1 cars.

Although the car will not behave exactly like the SF-24, Hamilton will still benefit from covering some kilometers behind the wheel of Ferrari’s most recent single-seater.

The test is organized and managed by Pirelli, meaning the program is entirely dictated by the tire supplier’s requirements.

Regulations also make it clear that using such a car is not a way for teams to test actual 2026 car components. There is therefore no reason to believe this will give Hamilton and Leclerc any competitive advantage for next year.