Hamilton and Ferrari hit by 2025 F1 pre-season testing ban

Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari team have been dealt a major blow as they face a testing ban, disrupting their preparations ahead of the 2025 F1 season. The seven-time world champion completed his first test with Ferrari at the team’s private track in Fiorano last week, using the SF-23 from the 2023 season.

TPC regulations limit Ferrari’s testing capabilities

Hamilton’s test at Fiorano was conducted under F1’s “Testing of Previous Car” (TPC) regulations, which allow teams to use cars older than two years for private testing. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure fairness and prevent any team from gaining an advantage over its rivals.

Ferrari are scheduled to resume testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 28 to 30. However, the team will be restricted by a two-car ban, meaning Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc will have to alternate between using one SF-23 throughout the testing days.

Minimize impact on test runs

The rule doesn’t just affect Ferrari, it applies to all F1 teams in testing. However, with both Hamilton and Leclerc still having over 900km to cover in the SF-23, the pressure is on. This means each driver will only be able to complete around 200 laps, a number the Ferrari team may not have expected during the crucial preparation period.

Ferrari will also take part in a Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona on February 4 and 5. It will be the first time Hamilton has driven the SF-24, which won five Grand Prix races under Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in 2024. During the test, Hamilton and Leclerc will help Pirelli gather data on the 2026 tyre configuration, which is 25mm narrower than the current one.

Opportunity for Hamilton and Ferrari

Despite the limitations, these tests were an important opportunity for Hamilton to familiarize himself with the new car and the Scuderia Ferrari team strategy. The combination of a veteran driver and a prestigious team has attracted great interest from fans and F1 experts, who are expecting a promising season ahead.

With a tight and challenging schedule, Hamilton and Ferrari will need to maximise every opportunity to ensure they are ready for the 2025 season. Whether this partnership will be a huge success or not will only be determined when the season begins.