Lewis Hamilton gave an intriguing evaluation of the brand new technology of F1 vehicles.
Lewis Hamilton drove the Ferrari SF-26 in testing on Tuesday (Picture: Getty)
Lewis Hamilton believes that all the new F1 technical laws have put “everybody on the again foot” heading into pre-season testing. Drivers and groups are laborious at work deciphering the methods and strategies required to extract tempo from the newest technology of open-wheel vehicles.
Hamilton skilled his first day of testing on Tuesday in a weather-affected session that noticed Pink Bull’s Isack Hadjar discover the boundaries at Flip 14. The seven-time world champion notched 57 laps behind the wheel of the SF-26, whereas Charles Leclerc contributed 66 in his stint.
Talking about his expertise with the brand new vehicles, Hamilton was cautiously optimistic, predicting a giant problem as drivers and groups adapt to the calls for of Grand Prix racing in 2026.
“I’ve had the privilege of being right here for a very long time, 19 years, so been by means of various completely different vehicles,” the 41-year-old defined. “So quite a lot of completely different swapovers, however that is the most important one which I’ve seen.
“I do not wish to say an excessive amount of about it simply but, as a result of it is troublesome to know. As I stated, I’ve solely pushed it within the rain. I imply, it is quite a bit much less downforce than we had final 12 months, however we do not have the porpoising that we had final 12 months, or at the very least in 2022 once we began it. So there’s positively positives.
“And it is massively difficult for everyone, for each crew, which I believe is nice. It actually places everybody on the again foot. I imply, everybody’s actually going to sort of be on their toes and studying as you go.
Ferrari accomplished a powerful first day of testing in Barcelona (Picture: Getty)
“And whoever develops the quickest, whoever is the neatest in optimising the time and the vitality deployment and growth would be the ones on the prime. And I believe this provides everybody an opportunity to get to the highest, which is sweet. And so we’re simply all arms on deck making an attempt to ensure we maximise it.”
Hamilton’s predictions have been echoed by team-mate Leclerc, who expressed his want for Ferrari to return to the head of the game. The Scuderia ended 2025 winless, slumping to fourth within the Constructors’ Championship standings after ending second the earlier marketing campaign.
“I’m very excited,” Leclerc stated. “I’m very excited to see what the others have in retailer and once we begin pushing a bit extra to see the place we’re in comparison with the others. I believe this 12 months is a giant alternative for each crew to do one thing completely different and to perhaps achieve greater benefit than what we’ve seen in the previous couple of years.
Race particulars, crew updates, outcomes and opinion plus chosen presents and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embody adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“I hope we’re the crew that can handle to make the distinction. However wherever we begin, we’ll push on the most to attempt to deliver Ferrari again to the highest. It’s been fairly a number of years, so I hope that this one is ours.”
Keep up-to-date with the newest F1 information Be part of us on WhatsApp
Our group members are handled to particular presents, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. You’ll be able to take a look at at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Leave a Reply