Lewis Hamilton stated he was discovering F1’s new-style 2026 automobiles “more fun” to drive after an encouraging begin to pre-season for Ferrari on the Barcelona shakedown.
The seven-time world champion made no secret of his dislike of the final period of automobiles from 2022, which featured ground-effect aerodynamics, saying in the direction of the top of final season that there was “not a single thing I will miss about these cars”.
The 2022-2025 period coincided with Hamilton’s least profitable interval in F1, with the Briton outscored by his team-mates (George Russell at Mercedes and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari) in three of these 4 seasons.
However F1 has moved to nimbler, narrower chassis with extra typical flooring for decreased downforce for 2026 as a part of a wholesale rewriting of the the technical rulebook.
After finishing 209 laps in Ferrari’s new SF-26 throughout three days of operating in Spain, Hamilton stated: “The automobile era is definitely slightly bit extra enjoyable to drive
“It’s oversteery and snappy and sliding, but it’s a little bit easier to catch and I would definitely say more enjoyable.”
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Watch morning highlights from day 5 of the shakedown as groups run their automobiles on the Barcelona take a look at.
Hamilton stated it had obtained lots out of the primary pre-season take a look at.
“It’s been a really enjoyable week, honestly,” he stated.
“I think a huge amount of work over the winter on my side, personal side, but then what the team have done over the winter to make changes going into the test.”
The 41-year-old additionally stated he felt good vitality from inside Ferrari because the workforce bid to bounce again from the foremost disappointment of their winless 2025.
“We’ve had great debriefs, everyone’s really on it,” added Hamilton.
“I really feel the winning mentality in every single person in the team more than ever, so it’s a positive.”
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Lewis Hamilton says that the Barcelona Shakedown has been ‘higher than now we have skilled prior to now’ for Ferrari, and shared his hopes ‘that it continues’.
‘Everybody’s actually coming with new vitality this 12 months’
As for early efficiency from their new automobile on the observe, Ferrari had been the one workforce aside from Mercedes to finish over 400 laps on the take a look at, with Hamilton’s quickest lap time on the ultimate afternoon proving a tenth of a second sooner than Russell’s benchmark effort from the day earlier than.
However Hamilton burdened: “I mean, we’re under no illusions. We know we’ve got work to do.
“Mercedes have completed nice operating as properly. I believe Crimson Bull and Haas did some nice operating as properly, so we do not actually know the place we’re, however I believe it is a strong first week and we are able to actually construct from right here.
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Craig Slater asks former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn, whether or not Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari will flip their fortunes round in 2026.
“So there may be some big leaps that we’re going to need to take. Development’s going to be key.
“Simply actually ensuring we depart no stone unturned and we’re simply actually clear and concise with our communication and the choices we take.
“It’s going to take all of us to be at our best. I’m just seeing that everyone’s really coming with new energy this year, which is great.”
When is F1 Bahrain pre-season testing?
The introduction of latest laws means there’s a strong schedule of three separate testing occasions earlier than the beginning of the 2026 season.
With the closed Barcelona Shakedown now full, F1 will subsequent head to Bahrain for 2 ‘official’ pre-season checks, when media might be current and reside timing from the circuit accessible.
Two three-day Bahrain checks happen on February 11-13 and 18-20.
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Method 1 explains the brand new 2026 regulation modifications, together with what’s going to exchange DRS, in a plan to permit nearer racing subsequent 12 months. Video courtesy of F1.
When is the primary F1 race?
The groups then have two weeks to arrange for the opening spherical of the season, which is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8.
The primary apply classes of the season will happen on Friday March 6, with Qualifying on Saturday March 7 and the opening race on Sunday March 8.
Watch each race of the 2026 F1 season reside on Sky Sports activities, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
