On a busy Tuesday, Lewis Hamilton took to the track, driving the 2023 Mercedes W14 as part of an extensive Pirelli tyre test.
Fernando Alonso, at Aston Martin, joined him at Spain’s Jerez circuit, where they both contributed to the test day.
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Albert Fabrega reported Alonso’s fastest lap at an impressive 1’18”752, with Hamilton closely trailing with a lap time of 1’18”936. Despite the focus on lap times, the primary objective of these tests remains the advancement of Pirelli’s tyre offerings.
The day saw Alonso completing a substantial 156 laps, while Hamilton completed 126 laps, each exploring different facets of tyre development. This session follows closely on the heels of Ferrari‘s initial tyre tests for the year, marking a continued effort across the teams to enhance tyre performance and reliability.
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Mercedes‘ George Russell are slated to continue with tyre testing in Jerez on Wednesday, taking the baton from Alonso and Hamilton.
For Hamilton, this marked a return to the Mercedes W14 in 2024, a car known for its challenges in propelling Hamilton to a Grand Prix victory. Amidst winless seasons in 2022 and 2023 and Mercedes lagging behind the pace-setting Red Bulls, the W14 has been a focal point of Hamilton’s recent career.
Looking ahead, Mercedes is set to unveil the W15 at a launch event on February 14 at Silverstone, with significant anticipation surrounding its design and enhancements. Key improvements, including a revised cockpit positioning—stemming from Hamilton’s feedback—and a lighter gearbox, underscore Mercedes’ ambition to reclaim their leading position in F1. Moreover, the departure from the controversial ‘zeropod‘ design marks a strategic pivot in the car’s development.
The W15 is poised to be Hamilton’s swan song with Mercedes in Formula 1, as he is set to embark on a new chapter with Ferrari from 2025, under a multi-year contract expected to extend into his 40s. This move signifies a significant shift in Hamilton’s illustrious career and signals exciting times ahead for the sport.
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