Hamilton drives new Mercedes into barrier

Lewis Hamilton has emerged unscathed from a crash during the testing of his new Mercedes in Spain, which his team says was caused by a front wing failure.

Lewis Hamilton has crashed his new Mercedes into a barrier during Formula One testing in Spain. (AAP)

Lewis Hamilton has driven his new Mercedes into the barrier during Formula One's first pre-season session, only hours after its unveiling.

He emerged unscathed from the crash that his team said was caused by a front wing failure.

Hamilton and teammate Nico Rosberg presented Mercedes' silver-and-turquoise W05 before testing got under way, and the former champion was the first to take his car out and the first to complete a full lap at the Jerez track.

Hamilton drove into the barrier at turn 1 midway through the session, leaving debris and long tyre marks before he went off the asphalt.

So far, few drivers have ventured out as teams struggle with new engineering rules that have caused them to revamp their cars.

There have been three red flags, including Hamilton's. Of the five drivers who have taken to the track in southern Spain, only two have completed laps so far.