Lewis Hamilton collects kilometers in the Ferrari
While Formula 1 is currently on a break, Lewis Hamilton is using the time for additional driving practice. The seven-time world champion is on the Ferrari test track in Fiorano, where he is completing tire tests for the Italian manufacturer Pirelli.
Although the Bahrain Grand Prix would originally have taken place this weekend, test work is on the agenda instead. In mild temperatures of around 21 degrees, wet conditions were deliberately created in Fiorano by watering the track. This allowed Hamilton to test various rain tire compounds – including full-wet tires and different intermediate variants for changing track conditions.
On the first day of testing, the Briton completed a total of 142 laps, which corresponds to a distance of 423 kilometers. His fastest lap was 1:01.031 minutes, but is of no sporting significance due to the test conditions.
The test drives serve exclusively to collect data for tire development and to provide drivers with additional routine. Technical innovations or updates to the vehicles are not permitted during such tests.
The original plan was for Charles Leclerc to take over the Ferrari on the second day of testing. However, according to Pirelli, Hamilton will remain in action on the following day. The Briton is therefore making the most of the current race break to keep up the rhythm.
The competition from McLaren and Mercedes are also taking advantage of the break and will be testing with their drivers at the Nürburgring next week.