Lewis Hamilton has requested some modifications to his new Ferrari SF-25 after the shakedown carried out at Fiorano in current days. The updates requested by the seven-time world champion are anticipated to be applied in time for the beginning of pre-season testing in Bahrain, scheduled for Wednesday, February 26.
After the official presentation of the automobile in London, Scuderia Ferrari HP returned to Italy for the standard filming day on the Fiorano monitor. In the course of the take a look at day, Charles Leclerc drove the SF-25 within the morning session, finishing round 30 laps, whereas within the afternoon, it was Hamilton’s flip to get acquainted with the brand new single-seater.
SF-25 sooner than the 2024 model?
In accordance with unofficial sources, Lewis Hamilton’s greatest time was about 0.8 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc’s, though the 2 drivers adopted totally different packages. Whereas the Monegasque, in his seventh season with Ferrari, was in a position to push from the beginning, the Briton centered on familiarizing himself with the staff’s programs after 11 years with Mercedes.
Regardless of a slower lap time in comparison with Charles Leclerc, the preliminary suggestions on the SF-25 has been constructive. In accordance with early analyses, the automobile is 0.4 seconds sooner than final yr’s Ferrari, an encouraging signal for the Maranello staff.
Hamilton requests small changes to the SF-25
In accordance with Auto Racer, the British driver has requested small modifications to the automobile earlier than the beginning of official testing. These can be comparatively minor particulars, with no substantial variations between his and Leclerc’s setups.
The Briton had already skilled some difficulties throughout his first take a look at with Ferrari final month, notably relating to the automobile’s pedals. In contrast to Mercedes, which makes use of Carbon Industrie brakes, Ferrari is supplied with Brembo-supplied supplies, a element that required an adaptation interval for Hamilton.
Throughout his debut with the 2023 Ferrari in January, the Briton reported some difficulties adapting to the braking system, experiencing a number of lock-ups. The staff labored on some pedal modifications for the subsequent take a look at in Barcelona, the place Hamilton, nevertheless, went off the monitor.
Though preliminary theories prompt a potential monitor irregularity or points associated to the Ferrari engine, the Briton clarified that it was merely a mistake whereas looking for the automobile’s restrict: “I needed to discover the restrict of the automobile as shortly as potential as a result of I solely have a number of days accessible.” He then joked: “And I undoubtedly succeeded!”
“A very totally different automobile in comparison with Mercedes”
Talking to the media, Lewis Hamilton mentioned the challenges of transitioning to the Ferrari SF-25, highlighting the variations from the automobiles he was used to: “It’s utterly totally different. I assumed it will simply be one other Components 1 automobile.” He then defined his impressions on the wheel: “I assumed it will be just like the transition from McLaren to Mercedes. There have been similarities as a result of they had been each powered by Mercedes engines, so the sound, the vibration, had been the identical.”
However with Ferrari, it’s totally different: “This can be a utterly totally different transition as a result of all the things is new—the engine, the automobile’s configuration, the settings, the terminology utilized by the staff. It has been an incredible expertise making an attempt to know it.” Adapting to the brand new atmosphere takes time, however Lewis Hamilton mentioned he already feels fairly comfy. Now it’s time to focus on Bahrain.
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