On the first day of Pirelli tyre testing, Lewis Hamilton set a faster time of 1:15.93 while Leclerc clocked a 1:16.060, but apart from those two figures, not much else has emerged: What tyre compound did Hamilton and Leclerc use? What was the track temperature? Did they set their fastest time in the morning or in the afternoon? From the possible C1 to C5, the prototypes that the Milan-based brand is testing for 2026, there can be more than a second difference, so a tenth can have all sorts of nuances.
There are some indicative stories that are positive for the newcomer, such as the rapid adaptation, after only three days of experience with old Ferrari cars and on two different circuits. Also that he is already able to go to the limit with the 2024 car, the SF-24, which has been modified to fit the tyres (which are already noticeably smaller) from Pirelli for next year. Another positive note is that last week’s crash at the same venue does not seem to have affected him at all. These are rather childish musings, for would anyone expect anything else from a seven-time world champion like Hamilton?
The differences, if any, will be seen in Bahrain with similar programs and the new car, in pre-season testing (February 26, 27 and 28), as these results will mark what can be seen in the early races of the year. Everyone expects Leclerc, due to his experience in the team and his one-lap prowess, to be slightly ahead at the start, but this may not be the case.
The comparison is reminiscent of 2021, when Carlos Sainz beat Leclerc in the first Fiorano test and the unofficial times were leaked. It was clear from the start that he would be a tenth up or down with Leclerc and in this case it is very similar. We have to wait and see, because it looks like being a really interesting duel between the two, in what is perhaps the most evenly matched pairing on the entire 2025 grid.
Leclerc 1.8 sec faster on Wednesday
On the second day of testing on Wednesday, the picture was very different, as Leclerc set the fastest time. The Monegasque driver clocked a 1:14.971 and his teammate, Hamilton, was a little slower, with a time of 1:16.759 on his best lap. Piastri was sandwiched between the two Ferrari drivers with a time of 1:15.815. Pirelli clarified that the times do not show significant differences between the drivers, as each had a different work programme.