P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton will get his first taste of Ferrari’s most recent Formula 1 challenger at Barcelona this week – but the car will have a slightly unusual feel
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, will test Ferrari’s newest Formula 1 car at Barcelona this week alongside team-mate Charles Leclerc in a two-day Pirelli 2026 tyre test. This test differs from the private testing recently conducted by Hamilton and Leclerc, as it is organized by Pirelli for tire evaluation. The main focus of this week’s test is on assessing the latest construction developments for the 2026 tires, including the three hardest compounds – C1, C2, and C3. The 2026 tires maintain the 18-inch rim size but feature reduced front and rear tire dimensions, with narrowed widths and smaller diameter. Modifications to the cars, following FIA regulations, aim to simulate the downforce and performance levels of the 2026 challengers while restricting the use of actual 2026 car components. Hamilton will gain valuable experience with Ferrari’s 2024 car, improving his understanding of power unit characteristics and cockpit controls during this test session. The test schedule for both drivers will span Tuesday and Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, providing crucial insights for Ferrari ahead of the upcoming Formula 1 season.
