Just In:Ferrari Return to Imola as Hamilton and Leclerc Prepare for Crucia…. read more 👇 full details in the comments section 

Ferrari Return to Imola as Hamilton and Leclerc Prepare for Crucia…. read more 👇 full details in the comments section

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are set to return to the track at Imola as Ferrari begin another important phase of preparations for Formula 1’s 2027 season. The two Ferrari drivers are scheduled to take part in a two-day Pirelli tyre test, giving the team and the Italian tyre manufacturer valuable running on the future-generation compounds.

The test at the iconic Imola circuit comes at an important stage of development for F1’s next technical era. While teams remain focused on the current championship, preparations for 2027 are already underway, with tyre behaviour expected to play a major role in how the cars perform.

For Ferrari, having both Leclerc and Hamilton involved provides an opportunity to gather feedback from two highly experienced drivers with very different racing backgrounds. Their comments could help Pirelli understand how the new tyres respond to Ferrari’s characteristics while also giving the Scuderia additional information about how its drivers adapt to the latest rubber.

Leclerc’s knowledge of Ferrari machinery and his experience at Imola could prove particularly useful during the programme. The Monegasque driver has spent several seasons working closely with Ferrari’s engineers and is familiar with the demands of the Italian circuit. His feedback will be important as Pirelli continues refining its 2027 products.

Hamilton, meanwhile, brings an enormous amount of experience from his long Formula 1 career. Since joining Ferrari, the seven-time world champion has continued adapting to a completely different team environment and driving philosophy. A dedicated tyre test gives him another chance to provide detailed feedback while working closely with Ferrari’s engineers.

The two-day programme is expected to focus specifically on Pirelli’s preparations for the 2027 tyres. Testing future compounds allows Pirelli to collect real-world data that cannot be replicated entirely through simulations. Drivers can report on grip, braking performance, cornering behaviour, degradation and overall consistency, all of which are essential when developing tyres for future regulations.

Imola provides an interesting environment for such testing because of its combination of high-speed sections, technical corners, heavy braking zones and changes in elevation. These characteristics allow drivers to evaluate different tyre behaviours across a wide range of conditions.

Ferrari’s participation also highlights the importance of manufacturer involvement in F1’s development process. Teams are not simply preparing their own cars for the future; they are also helping provide data that can influence the direction of the sport.

Alongside Ferrari’s Pirelli programme, a separate Testing of Previous Cars, commonly known as TPC, programme is also expected to take place on Wednesday. Ferrari’s reserve drivers are reportedly set to be involved in that running, creating another opportunity for the team to evaluate drivers and gather useful track data.

TPC sessions are different from official tyre-development tests because they involve previous-generation machinery. They can nevertheless be extremely valuable for reserve and development drivers, allowing them to gain additional Formula 1 experience and become more familiar with the procedures involved in operating a Grand Prix car.

For Ferrari, Wednesday’s running could therefore serve multiple purposes. While Hamilton and Leclerc focus on the Pirelli programme, reserve drivers can accumulate valuable mileage and remain prepared should the team require their services during the season.

The Imola test is also likely to attract considerable attention from Ferrari supporters. Whenever Hamilton and Leclerc share a Ferrari testing programme, fans naturally become interested in how the two drivers compare and what information the team can extract from their feedback.

However, the primary objective will not be setting headline lap times. Tyre testing is generally about collecting consistent data rather than chasing outright performance. Engineers will be looking at how different compounds behave over multiple runs, while drivers will focus on communicating their impressions as accurately as possible.

For Hamilton, Leclerc and Ferrari, the Imola programme represents another step toward understanding the future of Formula 1. The 2027 season may still be ahead, but the groundwork is already being laid.

With two Ferrari stars involved in Pirelli’s development work and reserve drivers expected to participate in a separate TPC programme, Imola is set to become an important Ferrari testing ground.

The results may not immediately translate into race wins, but the information gathered over these sessions could prove extremely valuable when the next generation of Formula 1 machinery and tyres arrives.

For Ferrari, every kilometre matters.