Lewis Hamilton offers first verdict on the Ferrari SF-26 after “difficult” Bahrain morning | F1 testing

F1 | First check session over for Hamilton: Lewis shares his early Ferrari impressions in Bahrain

On the finish of the primary Method 1 check session in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton spoke in regards to the preliminary sensations he skilled behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-26.

After already getting a primary style of the SF-26 throughout the Barcelona shakedown, Lewis Hamilton returned to the cockpit of the Ferrari for the morning session of Day 1 of F1 testing in Bahrain. The British driver accomplished fifty-two laps, setting a greatest time of 1:36.433, precisely one second slower than Max Verstappen’s benchmark.

It’s value remembering, nonetheless, that in these check days lap instances needs to be taken with warning, as all groups are operating with very completely different configurations, gasoline masses, and engine mappings. The primary goal for each group at this stage is to proceed gathering precious knowledge and evaluating it with simulation outcomes gathered again on the manufacturing facility.

Lewis Hamilton’s first impressions after Bahrain testing

On the conclusion of his first on-track session, Lewis Hamilton briefly commented on his early emotions aboard the Ferrari SF-26. “For the way the monitor is true now, very soiled, with plenty of sand and wind, Flip 1 and Flip 4 really feel superb, whereas in Turns 6 and seven the sensation is completely different. In the meanwhile it’s troublesome to brake the automotive due to the wind,” the British driver mentioned.

“It’s too early to judge our automotive in comparison with the others. Loads additionally relies on how a lot gasoline you could have on board and the engine mapping. Over today the objective is to be taught as a lot as potential. I’m completely satisfied to see the group very targeted. We ran quite a bit in Barcelona and with out specific points, which is constructive. I’ve already mentioned it and I repeat it, I’m grateful to be a part of the event of this automotive and to have the ability to contribute,” Lewis Hamilton added.

Because the seven-time champion fingers the automotive over to Charles Leclerc for the afternoon session, the temper within the Ferrari storage seems to be one among diligent focus. The Briton’s suggestions relating to the SF-26’s sensitivity to the gusty Sakhir situations will likely be important because the engineers work to refine the steadiness of the brand new 2026 machine forward of the season opener.

Feb 11, 2026David Carter

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