Many knowledge factors and room for development: Hamilton sees an evolving Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton concluded the primary part of Ferrari’s 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain with an intense and productive day, finishing almost 800 kilometres and confirming the solidity of the work carried out by the Scuderia. Between knowledge assortment, tyre comparisons, and first impressions of the SF-26, the seven-time world champion supplied a transparent and insightful evaluation of the trail forward for the crew over the subsequent two weeks.
A full and methodical day of labor
Hamilton adopted a tightly structured programme, alternating between brief and lengthy stints to judge set-ups, procedures, and tyre behaviour. Throughout the morning, he ran completely on C3 tyres, specializing in fine-tuning the automotive and evaluating completely different configurations.
Within the afternoon, he accomplished the programme by testing C1 and C2 compounds as properly, ending with a complete of 149 laps. In his evaluation, the week was encouraging. Hamilton acknowledged that, general, it had been a constructive week, noting that finishing many laps and operating the total programme allowed the crew to assemble a wealth of helpful knowledge and achieve a greater understanding of the automotive.
The British driver additionally highlighted that the SF-26 delivered typically good emotions, even inside a extremely complicated technical setting. He commented that the SF-26 appeared strong general, however this era of automobiles is especially difficult, making it important to search out the appropriate stability, particularly relating to tyre administration.
Early findings and room for enchancment
The three days of testing enabled Ferrari to establish strengths and areas that also require improvement. Lewis Hamilton defined that that they had made fascinating discoveries and had additionally pinpointed particular areas the place enhancements might be made.
Looking forward to the subsequent take a look at, Lewis Hamilton acknowledged its significance for consolidating the insights gained in Bahrain and for making ready the crew for the season opener. He indicated that the upcoming session could be essential to solidify what that they had realized and to proceed making progress.
The primary week at Sakhir delivered a Ferrari that’s strong, dependable, and able to finishing excessive mileage with out points. Hamilton demonstrated a methodical method, attentive to element, and already immersed within the technique of understanding the SF-26.
The foundations have been set, however the actual work – reworking knowledge into on-track efficiency – will happen through the subsequent take a look at session. The general impression is that Ferrari has set off in the appropriate route, with important room for development nonetheless to be explored.
Feb 14, 2026
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
