The first day of Pirelli tire tests saw Lewis Hamilton achieve a faster time of 1:15.93, while Charles Leclerc recorded a time of 1:16.060. However, limited information is available regarding the specifics of the test, including the compound of tires used by Hamilton and Leclerc, as well as the asphalt temperature. The differences in times may seem insignificant, but they could have various nuances, especially considering that the prototypes being tested by Pirelli for 2026 may have differences of over a second.
Despite the lack of detailed information, there are some positive indicators for the new Ferrari driver. Hamilton’s rapid adaptation to the 2024 car, the SF-24, is notable, especially given his limited experience with the old Ferrari cars and the fact that he was able to push the car to its limit. Additionally, the accident he was involved in last week does not appear to have affected his performance. These observations may seem obvious, given Hamilton’s seven world championships, but they are still worth noting.
In one of the Pirelli tests for 2026, Lewis already proves a car very similar to that he will have this year in Ferrari.
The real differences in performance will likely become apparent during the preseason tests in Bahrain, which will take place from February 26 to 28. It is expected that Leclerc, with his experience in the team, will have a slight advantage at the beginning of the season. However, this may not be the case, and the competition between Leclerc and Hamilton could be very close.
This situation is reminiscent of 2021, when Carlos Sainz outperformed Leclerc in the first Fiorano test. The times recorded during these tests are not always indicative of the actual performance of the drivers, and it is necessary to wait until the season begins to get a clearer picture of the relative strengths of each driver. The duel between Leclerc and Hamilton is expected to be one of the most interesting aspects of the 2025 season, and it may be the most evenly matched pairing in the entire field.
Leclerc puts 1.8 sec. on Wednesday
On the second day of testing, Leclerc recorded the fastest time, with a lap of 1:14.971. His teammate, Hamilton, was slightly slower, with a time of 1:16.759. Oscar Piastri managed to get between the two Ferrari drivers, recording a time of 1:15.815. Pirelli has noted that the times do not necessarily reflect significant differences between the drivers, as each driver had a different work program.