Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc
Marcus Chan
The cause of Lewis Hamilton's crash during his second test with Ferrari and the subsequent impact on Charles Leclerc has been revealed.
Last week, the 40-year-old made his Ferrari debut as he was pictured at the team's base in Maranello.
Hamilton then went around the team's test track in Fiorano as he completed 30 laps during his first session for the Scuderia.
This week, Ferrari moved their testing session to Barcelona with Hamilton and Leclerc taking turns to drive around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the team's 2023 F1 car, the SF-23.
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On Wednesday, it was reported that Hamilton suffered a crash after losing control of the car in the final sector of the track, subsequently hitting the barriers and causing 'rather serious' damage to the suspension and more minor damage to aerodynamic parts.
Hamilton did not suffer any injuries as Ferrari played down the accident, stating it is 'part and parcel of a driver getting up to speed with a new team and exploring the limits of his new machinery'.
Hamilton's accident also impacted Leclerc as he was unable to complete his own testing session.
As reported by Auto Sport, Leclerc was originally scheduled to drive in the afternoon, but by the time the car was patched up, visibility became too low due to decreasing daylight.
The apparent cause of Hamilton's crash has also been revealed. Auto Racer stated that the accident was 'probably caused by a bump in the circuit', which could have unsettled the car.
It has been suggested that the layout of the track was recently changed, with the final chicane scrapped in favour of a high-speed double right turn, which again could have played a part in Hamilton's off.
This is not the first time Hamilton has crashed during his first testing sessions for a new team.
Back in 2013, the Brit crashed during his first test for Mercedes after experiencing a brake failure and he also had an accident during his rookie year for McLaren.
The 2025 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.