Why Lewis Hamilton is taking part in a test with Ferrari this week

While there are no Grands Prix for a moment, these are busy weeks for Pirelli. Formula 1’s tire supplier already held a test in Suzuka, with Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls taking part. Soon there’s an appointment at the Nürburgring, where among others Lando Norris (McLaren) and George Russell (Mercedes) will be in action.

This week - specifically on April 9 and 10 - it’s Ferrari’s turn to assist Pirelli. At the Fiorano circuit there will be a wet-weather tire test, so the track must be artificially soaked.

GPblog can confirm that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are conducting this test for Pirelli, and not one or more reserve drivers from the Italian team. That’s deliberate, as the tire supplier explicitly asked the Italian outfit to field its regular drivers.

The likely reason is that Hamilton and Leclerc know their F1 car best and can therefore provide better feedback. They are Ferrari’s Grand Prix drivers for a reason, and as the team’s top drivers, they’re sure to deliver the best data.

Ferrari is expected to be back in action later this month for another test. A test is scheduled at the Monza circuit at the end of next week, where Ferrari will try out an improved version of the engine. A so-called filming day will be used for this, during which a maximum of 200 kilometers may be driven.

Ferrari has not yet announced which driver(s) will take part that day, but it stands to reason that Leclerc and/or Hamilton will again take on the duties.