Lewis Hamilton on track with Ferrari at Barcelona this week

Lewis Hamilton will continue his preparations for his first F1 season with Ferrari this week.

The seven-time world champion will take the wheel of a former Ferrari single-seater on the Barcelona circuit in Spain to facilitate his acclimatization.

A private session in Barcelona

Ferrari has booked the Spanish Grand Prix circuit from January 28 to 30 for a private three-day session, in which Lewis Hamilton will participate alongside his new teammate, Charles Leclerc.

Weather conditions are expected to be cool, but dry and sunny throughout the week in Barcelona.

We do not yet know which car Ferrari will use. The team might continue using the 2023 SF-23 — the most recent model allowed by the old car test regulations (TPC) or opt for the 2022 F1-75.

According to TPC rules, current drivers are limited to 1000 km of testing in older F1 cars per year. Lewis Hamilton has already completed 30 laps (89 km) on the Fiorano test track last Wednesday, marking his debut behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari single-seater.

Ferrari will return to Barcelona the following week, on February 4 and 5, for Pirelli tire tests planned for 2026. A modified version of the 2024 Ferrari car, called a mule, will be used, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc expected at the wheel.

Lewis Hamilton happy

Lewis Hamilton shared his emotions after driving a Ferrari for the first time, the seven-time world champion describing the experience as “one of the best feelings of my life.”

« When I started the car and left the pits, I had the biggest smile on my face », said the Briton.

« It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car. It was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions again. »

« I already knew, from the outside, how passionate the Ferrari family is, from every team member to the tifosi [fans].»

« But now, seeing it with my own eyes as a Ferrari driver has been an inspiration. This passion runs in their veins, and one can only feel invigorated by it. »

« I am so grateful for all the love I felt from everyone in Maranello this week. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I can’t wait to get started. »

Read also: The first images of Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari at Fiorano