Hamilton faster than Leclerc as Ferrari take part in Barcelona test

Ferrari and McLaren have been testing tyres for Pirelli for the 2026 season, and the opening day saw Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in action on behalf of Ferrari. On the Spanish track, the seven-time world champion was just slightly quicker than the Monegasque.

For the third week in a row, Lewis Hamilton will get the chance to test with his new team Ferrari. After the two tests in Fiorano and Barcelona, nothing came out about how they had gone. After the first day of the Pirelli test - also in Barcelona - the world will get a first glimpse of the possible power difference between Hamilton and his new teammate Leclerc.

In a modified SF-24, the car Ferrari raced with last season, Hamilton was just slightly faster than Leclerc. Hamilton's fastest time was 1.15.930, while Leclerc came to 1.16.060. By the way, the fastest of the day was the only McLaren driver present: Lando Norris clocked a 1.15.215. Hamilton completed 87 laps, Leclerc 86 and Norris went around 159 times.

During the test, Pirelli engineers worked with C1 to C3 tyres. It is unknown which driver drove which tyre. Barcelona was chosen because it is a circuit that is tough on tyres. A week ago, Pirelli already did a test with rain tyres and intermediates.

On Wednesday, Hamilton and Leclerc will be back in action. Oscar Piastri will then step in for McLaren.

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