The second Formula 1 test day in Barcelona for Ferrari took an unexpected turn as Lewis Hamilton’s early shunt brought the running to a sudden halt. The Scuderia had been utilizing the testing opportunity in Catalunya to adjust to the new regulations surrounding the ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ for current Formula 1 racers. Each team, including Ferrari, is allowed a yearly limit of 1000km over four days, with both race drivers entitled to share this allocation.
Last week, Ferrari had already covered 131km in Fiorano with Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc behind the wheel of the SF-23 from the 2023 season. Additional running was scheduled for Barcelona, where the duo continued their testing. However, Hamilton’s crash at Turn 12 around 11 am on Tuesday resulted in significant damage to the front end of the car, including the suspension and bodywork.
The plan was for Leclerc to take over in the afternoon, with team officials optimistic about a swift repair process that might allow the Monegasque driver some track time by the end of the day. Unfortunately, the diminishing daylight impeded visibility when the car was finally rebuilt, forcing both Hamilton and Leclerc to leave Barcelona prematurely. The testing schedule remains unchanged for Ferrari’s final day, with main reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi and protege Dino Beganovic set to share driving duties on Thursday.
Meet Dino Beganovic: Ferrari’s Young Talent
Dino Beganovic, a Prema driver and member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020, is poised to make his mark on the Formula 1 scene. With a victory in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine in 2022 and consistent top-six finishes in the last two Formula 3 campaigns, Beganovic has proven his talent on the track. Having surpassed the 40-point threshold, he now only needs to complete 300km at the helm of an F1 car to earn an FIA superlicence. This achievement will enable him to participate in Free Practice 1 sessions for Ferrari this season, in compliance with the regulations requiring teams to field rookie drivers on four occasions.
As for Hamilton and Leclerc, Ferrari may have the opportunity to run them with the SF-23 for one more day in 2025 under the TPC regulations. The team could potentially take advantage of the upcoming Pirelli test scheduled for February 4-5, where McLaren will also be present, to extend their stay in Barcelona and complete a fourth testing day.
In the world of Formula 1, the unexpected is often around the corner, as demonstrated by Hamilton’s early shunt in Barcelona. Despite the setback, teams like Ferrari remain adaptable and focused on maximizing their testing opportunities to fine-tune their strategies and performance on the track. Through the trials and triumphs of each testing session, the drivers and teams continue to push the boundaries of speed and skill, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.
