Lewis Hamilton returned to the track with Ferrari in a session considered very important for Formula 1. The British driver participated in a specific wet-weather tire test promoted by Pirelli, held at the Fiorano circuit, home of the Italian team.
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This activity plays an important role in the development of tires for wet track conditions. The test takes place over two days, with Pirelli using systems to artificially wet the track and collect data on the performance of the compounds.
During the session, Hamilton and Ferrari do not have access to information about the tires used. Furthermore, there is no performance evaluation or testing of updates, as the work plan is entirely defined by Pirelli, which controls the program to obtain the necessary data.
The current test replaces an activity that had been planned previously. The supplier intended to conduct tests in wet conditions in Bahrain in early March, with Mercedes scheduled to participate, but the session was canceled after the start of the War in the Middle East, as were the GPs in Bahrain itself and Saudi Arabia.
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In practice, Pirelli used Ferrari and Hamilton exclusively for data collection. The Briton took over the car on the first day this Thursday, while Charles Leclerc is scheduled to drive the SF-26 on Friday, continuing the work.
Ferrari also has another testing commitment on the calendar. The team plans to hold a filming day at Monza on April 22, which will allow for more track activity within regulatory limitations.
This participation by Hamilton in this type of session reinforces the role of teams in the technical development of Formula 1. Even without seeking direct performance, the work contributes to the improvement of tires in adverse conditions, something fundamental throughout the season.
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