Ferrari make major decision ahead of Lewis Hamilton's second test as full schedule confirmed

Ferrari have reportedly made a big decision ahead of Lewis Hamilton's second and third test as their new driver.

Last week, all eyes were fixated on the team's base in Maranello as Hamilton arrived to begin life as a Ferrari driver.

On the back of delivering his coldest social media post yet, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion went behind the wheel of a Ferrari car for the first time as he completed 30 laps of the team's test track in Fiorano.

Afterwards, the 40-year-old's lap times were quickly compared to the likes of Charles Leclerc and Michael Schumacher.

Looking ahead, Hamilton is set to take part in his second test session this week in Barcelona, Spain, around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

As reported by Crash.net, Hamilton will take part in the private test session alongside teammate Charles Leclerc.

Although there has been no confirmation on which car Hamilton will drive, it is set to be a toss-up between the 2023 SF-23 - the latest model permitted under F1’s Testing of Previous Car (TPC) regulations or the 2022 F1-75.

Under the TPC rules, F1 drivers are allowed to do 1000km of running in old cars, which Hamilton has already completed 89km last week.

Next week, it has been reported that Hamilton will again be in Barcelona to carry out Pirelli tyre testing ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Lewis Hamilton made his Ferrari debut last week. Image: Getty

Ferrari make decision ahead of 2026 testing in Barcelona

The report from Crash.net stated that Ferrari have already made a decision on the car Hamilton will drive next week.

Ferrari are set to use a modified version of Ferrari’s 2024 car - otherwise known as a ‘mule’, with Hamilton and Leclerc expected to feature.

In F1 a 'mule' car is often described as a chassis that has been adapted to mimic upcoming regulation changes.

According to FIA's F1 Sporting Regulations, via PMW Magazine, mule cars 'cars must only have the minimal modifications necessary for testing development tyres or components for future championships'.

Reflecting on his first outing in a Ferrari F1 car, Hamilton said: "Driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning, was one of the best feelings of my life.

"When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car."

The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.