Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. Possibly the biggest bit of news in F1 history. Maybe even the biggest motorsport. His pics as a godfather caused shockwaves on the internet in the form of “aura” posts.
And now the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion has set to work… and crashed. Lewis Hamilton encountered his first significant hiccup with Ferrari, crashing the 2023 model, the SF-23, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The incident happened towards the end of his morning run.
Why did the crash happen?
Hamilton, who has just transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari for the upcoming 2025 season, was testing the SF-23, a car known for its unpredictability and one of Ferrari's least successful recent models.
According to reports from the Italian media, the crash occurred late in Hamilton's session, possibly even on the last corner of the lap, although the exact cause remains undisclosed. Ferrari has downplayed the incident, attributing it to driver error, which is not uncommon in the high-stakes environment of testing where drivers often push the limits to understand the car's behavior.
SF-23’s Troubled History and Design Issues
This crash was not just a minor blip but highlighted the SF-23's notorious traits. Known for its "snappy" rear end due to aerodynamic issues, the 2023 Ferrari model only managed to secure a single win in the previous season's Singapore Grand Prix.
The win was quite significant, though, as it denied Red Bull from having a perfect F1 season where the team would’ve won every single race. But Carlos Sainz and the SF-23 had “one of those days.” Nobody is perfect after all, Red Bull.
However, the SF-23’s design, particularly its side pods and underfloor, has been criticized for not effectively managing airflow, leading to sudden detachments at high speeds, which could explain Hamilton's loss of control.
What’s Next for Hamilton and Ferrari?
Looking forward, Hamilton's immediate focus will be on upcoming testing sessions, including a Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona, where he'll get another chance behind the wheel. This will be followed by the official pre-season testing in Bahrain before the season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in March.
Hamilton has since taken to social media, expressing his eagerness for the first race, indicating that his spirit remains undeterred by this early mishap.
