Tire Test: Leclerc's first "victory" against Hamilton

While some media outlets claim that Lewis Hamilton was faster than Charles Leclerc during the Pirelli tire test held in Barcelona, it was actually Leclerc who recorded the best time over the two days...

While the drivers were pushing the wet tires last week, this time it was the 2026 slicks that were tested. As usual, Pirelli shared hardly any meaningful information about the event, but they did publish the times. Moreover, they noted that these times should be taken with strong reservations, which makes the previously mentioned hype all the more puzzling. Although Hamilton did finish first on the opening day of the practice session involving Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren, given today's times, Charles Leclerc can statistically be considered the winner. After different tactics, programs, and distances, at the end of the two days, Leclerc was the fastest (1:14.971), ahead of Oscar Piastri (1:15.815) and his teammate, Lewis Hamilton (1:16.759).

In terms of distance covered, Piastri was the most diligent (152 laps), followed by the Ferrari duo, each completing 74 units. Pirelli has had productive days, as today everyone ran at least one race stint equivalent to the Spanish Grand Prix. The continuation will take place on the 13th-14th in Jerez, where Alpine, Mercedes, and McLaren will carry out the work.

Photo: F1