P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton has conducted his latest track outing with Ferrari prior to his debut campaign in F1 with his new team, this time running its 2024 car in Barcelona.
Lewis Hamilton has been given the opportunity to drive Ferrari’s SF-24 this season after testing the SF-23 in his previous outings. Ferrari, with drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, achieved the most podiums in 2023 but lost the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren. The SF-24 proved to be a more stable car compared to its predecessor, the car Hamilton had an accident with at Barcelona. Ferrari is working with Pirelli to develop tires for the 2026 season, using last year’s SF-24 for testing purposes. In preparation for the new rules and a 20% downforce loss, Ferrari adjusted the SF-24’s downforce levels to simulate future cars. Hamilton set a best lap time of 1:15.93s, slightly faster than Leclerc’s 1:15.21s after completing 87 laps, while Leclerc ran 86 laps. McLaren also tested at the Spanish track with Lando Norris driving the MCL60, completing an impressive 159 laps. Norris will be replaced by Oscar Piastri for testing on Wednesday.
