Ferrari have successfully resolved Lewis Hamilton's pedal issues ahead of their second pre-season test for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The team’s engineers have worked diligently to ensure that the transition for Hamilton, who moved from Mercedes, is smooth following his initial test at Fiorano.
Last week, the seven-time World Champion navigated 30 laps in wet conditions at Fiorano using the SF-23, the same model driven by his new teammate Charles Leclerc and former driver Carlos Sainz in 2023.
During this session, Hamilton experienced difficulties with the car’s pedals which led to some on-track mistakes, including locking up and running wide at key corners.
According to the Italian publication Auto Racer, the required adjustments to the pedals “required a lot of work” between the Fiorano and Barcelona tests. Hamilton, now 40, used Leclerc’s steering wheel as a baseline but is expected to customize it further to suit his preferences, a common practice among drivers to optimize control layout.
The focus now shifts to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Ferrari is currently conducting a three-day test. This track, known for hosting the Spanish Grand Prix, offers Ferrari the opportunity to refine their setup in better weather conditions as suggested by the team’s X posts showing Leclerc leaving the garage.
Ferrari’s technical team, under the guidance of new boss Loic Serra, previously with Mercedes, is also concentrating on tire wear and race start procedures.
Serra, with his expertise in vehicle dynamics, is said to be pivotal in improving the car’s handling, particularly with tire behavior under varying conditions.
A report from Motorsport.com highlighted that Ferrari has been closely collaborating with Pirelli to develop the 2025 tires, aiming for reduced overheating and extended stints compared to last year’s models.
Moreover, race starts are a significant area of development for Ferrari, focusing on clutch cut-off points and acceleration from a standstill. This was evident when Hamilton practiced starts during his Fiorano test.
Looking ahead, Ferrari is set to conduct a two-day Pirelli tire test next week, where both Hamilton and Leclerc will drive a modified version of the 2024 SF-24 car.
This “mule” car is designed to mimic the performance of the upcoming 2026 models, which will introduce significant changes like 50 percent electrification, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics.
These tests are crucial under F1’s TPC rules, which allow only cars from two years prior for testing, ensuring no competitive advantage is gained during the current season. However, this special arrangement with Pirelli provides a unique chance for Hamilton to adapt to Ferrari’s machinery further before the season kicks off.
This series of tests marks a pivotal moment for Ferrari as they fine-tune their approach for the 2025 season, with Hamilton’s integration being a central part of their strategy.
