Verstappen skips Thursday test as Hamilton takes over at Ferrari

Max Verstappen will not drive during Thursday's pre-season test in Barcelona, while Lewis Hamilton will be in action for Ferrari. The Red Bull team is managing its limited running schedule and parts availability after an earlier incident, with only one more day of testing remaining in Spain.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's absence is notable as teams maximize precious track time to develop their new cars. For a reigning champion to miss a session suggests either strategic planning or logistical necessity, highlighting the delicate balance of pre-season preparation. Meanwhile, Hamilton's early running for Ferrari offers a first real glimpse of the seven-time champion integrating with his new team for the 2025 season, a symbolic and practical step in their highly anticipated partnership.

The details:

• Verstappen's Schedule: The Dutch driver has so far completed only half a day in the new Red Bull RB22. He has one full day of running remaining, which is now scheduled for Friday, the final day of the Barcelona test.
• Logistical Challenge: Red Bull's schedule was impacted by an incident involving test driver Isack Hadjar on Tuesday. This has necessitated the shipment of additional parts from the team's factory in Milton Keynes, affecting running plans.
• Hamilton's Debut: The first images from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya confirmed Lewis Hamilton was driving for Ferrari on Thursday. This marks the Italian team's second day of testing this week.
• Other Teams on Track: The Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), Mercedes, and the Cadillac-backed entry were also reported to be running early on Thursday. Drivers Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and rookie Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) were among those taking turns.

What's next:

All focus shifts to the final day of the Barcelona test on Friday. For Red Bull, it represents a crucial last opportunity for Verstappen to gather data and feel in the 2025 car before the season begins. For Ferrari and Hamilton, it's another step in their accelerated磨合 period. The data collected by all teams will inform critical final development decisions before the cars are shipped to the opening race.