Lewis Hamilton tops Ferrari testing at Barcelona Circuit

Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is gaining momentum, with the seven-time world champion completing another round of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

In what has been a closely watched pre-season period, Hamilton has now had multiple outings in both Ferrari’s 2023 and 2024 machines, using the sessions to fine-tune his approach ahead of the 2025 F1 season.

During Ferrari’s latest Pirelli tyre test, Hamilton emerged quicker than his new teammate Charles Leclerc, setting a best time of 1:15.930 over 87 laps.

While the times were not officially competitive, the British driver’s performance has nonetheless fueled intrigue over how he will stack up against Leclerc once the season begins.

Leclerc, who has led Ferrari since 2019, logged 86 laps and posted a 1:16.060.

The Maranello-based team are equal favourite to claim the 2025 Constructors Championship at $2.20 odds with top online bookmakers.

The session was part of Pirelli’s 2026 development program, with McLaren also involved in the test.

Lando Norris topped the timesheets with a 1:15.215 in McLaren’s modified MCL60, logging a session-high 159 laps before handing duties over to Oscar Piastri for the following day.

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has not been without challenges.

He previously crashed the team’s SF-23 during a private session at Barcelona, forcing Ferrari to adjust their testing program.

Additionally, minor ergonomic issues, including adjustments to the car’s pedal box, have required modifications to accommodate Hamilton’s preferences.

Despite these early hiccups, Hamilton has described his time with Ferrari as “awe-inspiring” and remains eager to establish himself within the Scuderia.

The Ferrari pairing will return to the track for additional testing, with both Hamilton and Leclerc set to continue their work on the modified SF-24.

With pre-season testing in Bahrain just weeks away, all eyes are focused on the dynamic between the two Ferrari drivers as Hamilton prepares for his most anticipated season in years.

Beyond testing, focus is beginning to shift towards the first major event of the year—the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

The Albert Park Circuit will play host to the first race of the 2025 season, with Lewis Hamilton paying $6.50 to win at Marantelli Bet.

With McLaren showing strong pace in testing and Red Bull still the benchmark, Ferrari will need to ensure they hit the ground running.

Hamilton’s early pace advantage over Leclerc may be an encouraging sign, but the true pecking order will only become clear once the lights go out in Melbourne.

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