Hamilton's Ferrari test crash tied to Mercedes PU shift

David Coulthard suggests Lewis Hamilton's recent testing incident at Barcelona stemmed from the challenge of transitioning between power units, downplaying concerns about his early performance with Ferrari.

From three-pointed star to prancing horse

The motorsport world has been closely watching Hamilton's first outings with Ferrari following his departure from Mercedes after 12 seasons.

After an initial shakedown at Fiorano, Hamilton's testing program in Barcelona was interrupted by an off-track excursion that prevented teammate Charles Leclerc from completing his scheduled afternoon running in the SF-23.

Power unit transition

Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, Coulthard offered insight into the technical challenge Hamilton faces.

"He has to get used to the control systems in that Ferrari, the power delivery. We're dealing with hybrid engines, so it's not the sort of natural torque acceleration of an internal combustion engine. Electrical energy comes in, like that,"

Coulthard explained, suggesting Hamilton's deep familiarity with Mercedes' hybrid system may have caught him out.

Testing versus racing mindset

Coulthard elaborated on the distinct mental approaches required during testing compared to race weekends.

"There's testing that a driver does where you are very consciously going through the ABCs of the braking, the turn in, the throttle application. And then there's racing, where you are just instinctively seeing and doing,"

he noted, supporting Eddie Jordan's prediction that Hamilton might need "two or three races" to fully acclimate.

Former team boss Eddie Jordan addressed the broader implications of Hamilton's move to Ferrari, suggesting the partnership's commercial value would easily offset any adaptation period.

"Ferrari will make and build more road cars and will have a bigger profit centre because of Lewis,"

Jordan stated, characterizing the signing as a "calculated financial, commercial decision" by Ferrari chairman John Elkann.

Performance expectations

The scrutiny of Hamilton's testing incident comes against the backdrop of his challenging final season with Mercedes, where he faced a 19-5 qualifying defeat to George Russell.

However, Jordan remained optimistic:

"I don't think that little off will faze him in the slightest. Racing drivers need to push cars to the limit. If they don't know where the limit is, they're not going quick enough."