Ferrari have delivered a largely reliable performance across the opening two days of 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain, yet the characteristics of their new SF-26 have not perfectly suited Lewis Hamilton’s driving style. While the Scuderia continues to show promise in the early stages of testing, certain handling traits may prove to be a key limitation for the seven-time world champion.
On the first day of testing, Ferrari logged one of the highest lap counts, with Lewis Hamilton completing 52 laps during the morning session and Charles Leclerc taking over in the afternoon to finish 80 laps. The Monegasque driver also recorded the third-fastest lap time of 1:35.190, although it is widely accepted in pre-season testing that lap times are of secondary importance to data collection and car development.
Lewis Hamilton’s initial session highlighted that while Ferrari have addressed some of the turn-in difficulties he experienced under previous regulations, the SF-26 still presents challenges, particularly through its rear-end behaviour. Observers from the Italian media noted that both Hamilton and Leclerc experienced noticeable instability in the rear of the car, especially in medium- and high-speed corners around the Bahrain International Circuit.
Rear-end instability could prove a significant limitation for Lewis Hamilton
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations represent the most comprehensive overhaul in recent years, affecting the engine, aerodynamics, chassis, and tyres. While Lewis Hamilton struggled to fully adapt to the ground-effect era from 2022 to 2025, Ferrari’s SF-26 may not yet completely suit his preferred driving style. Sources at the track reported that the rear of the car felt “particularly lively” at multiple points on the circuit, suggesting that stability through corner exit remains a work in progress.
Although Charles Leclerc often adapts his driving to mitigate instability, the same characteristics could present a bigger challenge for Lewis Hamilton, who historically favours a planted rear end to maximise cornering speed. Engineers appear to be monitoring the situation closely, but if rear-end instability persists, it could limit the Briton’s ability to attack corners aggressively and extract consistent performance from the SF-26 over a race distance.
Issues observed since the Barcelona shakedown remain under scrutiny
Lewis Hamilton is still adjusting to the SF-26’s handling as the team looks to build momentum following his challenging rookie season with Ferrari in 2025. The 41-year-old endured his most difficult season in Formula 1 after moving to Maranello, failing to secure a single Grand Prix podium and finishing with just 156 points compared to Charles Leclerc’s 242, placing sixth and fifth respectively in the drivers’ championship.
Early indications from the Barcelona shakedown at the end of January suggested that the SF-26 can be difficult to manage, particularly through the rear end. Trackside observers quickly noted that the British driver and his Maranello teammate were coping with a car that requires precise handling and careful modulation, with the rear-end balance often appearing unpredictable. Ferrari’s engineers are now working to optimise setup and balance, but the tests in Bahrain have confirmed that the issue has not been fully resolved.
With further pre-season testing scheduled, Ferrari will be aiming to refine the SF-26’s handling characteristics to suit both drivers. While the car’s reliability is a positive sign, the rear-end behaviour remains a potential bottleneck for Lewis Hamilton’s performance in 2026, especially as he seeks to challenge for victories alongside his teammate Charles Leclerc.
