Anthony Davidson has praised Lewis Hamilton’s driving in Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car, noting that the seven-time world champion now appears more comfortable and confident behind the wheel. Hamilton took over driving duties from Charles Leclerc for the evening session of the final pre-season test in Bahrain, showcasing his adaptability to the new Ferrari SF-26.
During the session, Lewis Hamilton recorded the second-fastest time overall while also setting the quickest pace in the first race simulation of the Bahrain pre-season test. These early signs offered Ferrari fans renewed optimism ahead of the 2026 season. Despite his impressive lap times, Hamilton described the driving as challenging, likening the experience to rallying and suggesting that the new cars felt like they were running at “GP2-level” pace.
Lewis Hamilton showing more confidence in Ferrari SF-26
After a difficult first season with Ferrari in 2025, where Lewis Hamilton failed to secure a podium finish and made several uncharacteristic errors—including a high-profile spin in the final Abu Dhabi practice—there were questions about his comfort in the SF-26. However, the Briton’s influence during the car’s development seems to have paid off, as he now demonstrates a driving style better suited to his aggressive approach.
Anthony Davidson noted that Hamilton finally looked “at home” in the Ferrari, interpreting the car’s body language as a clear sign that the British driver was enjoying himself. Davidson highlighted that Hamilton was able to impose his preferred aggressive style on the SF-26, taking the car to its limits while feeling confident in its behaviour through corners and braking zones.
Davidson remarked that it was the most comfortable Hamilton had appeared in a Ferrari for quite some time, noting that the former Mercedes star now seems fully engaged and capable of extracting performance. He observed that the British driver was pushing right to the edge, with the car responding predictably—something that had not always been the case in the 2025 SF-26.
Lewis Hamilton’s connection with the 2026 Ferrari car
Lewis Hamilton explained that he had spent months working on the 2026 Ferrari SF-26 in the simulator during the previous winter, which has given him a stronger connection to the car’s behaviour. Unlike Charles Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019 and has extensive experience with the team’s cars, Lewis Hamilton needed time to adapt to Ferrari’s working methods and the nuances of the new regulations.
Hamilton shared that a portion of his “driving DNA” is embedded in the SF-26, and this involvement in development is helping him feel more attuned to the car. The British driver has noted that his comfort level is significantly higher this year, allowing him to push harder and explore the limits of the car without overstepping.
Expert insight: Hamilton’s driving style suits the 2026 regulations
Fellow F1 driver Alex Albon, currently racing for Williams, suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s aggressive driving approach could be particularly well-suited to the new 2026 cars. With the weight reductions in the updated regulations, Alex Albon believes Lewis Hamilton will be able to carry more speed through corners, making the car feel “shorter” and more responsive, which aligns perfectly with his natural driving instincts.
Overall, early testing in Bahrain indicates that Lewis Hamilton is beginning to translate his experience and technical feedback into performance gains with the Ferrari SF-26. With Charles Leclerc already familiar with the team, the Briton’s growing comfort could signal a highly competitive intra-team battle as Ferrari prepares for the opening rounds of the 2026 F1 season.
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