Ferrari SF-26 first laps: Lewis Hamilton delivers a message of gratitude and ambition. Lewis Hamilton completed his first laps in the Ferrari SF-26 at Fiorano.

The first encounter between Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari SF-26 was not just a technical debut, but a moment full of symbolic significance: the beginning of a new era. At Fiorano, in front of fans who braved the cold just to witness the event, the seven-time world champion completed the first kilometres in the new car, sharing emotions and gratitude in a message posted on social media.

Lewis Hamilton inaugurates the SF-26: a debut loaded with meaning

The British driver had the honour of being the first to take the new SF-26 onto the track, the car that will carry Ferrari through the next regulatory cycle and is tasked with redeeming a 2025 season that fell far short of expectations.

Hamilton shared the cockpit with Charles Leclerc for a short Fiorano session, offering a first taste ahead of the official debut at next week’s Barcelona tests. The Scuderia has already confirmed that it will skip the opening day of testing, preferring to focus on the subsequent stages of the program.

The champion’s words: enthusiasm, gratitude, and a clear mission

On social media, Lewis Hamilton summed up his feelings from the first laps in the new Ferrari with a message full of meaning:

“Every year I look forward to this moment. The car launch never goes out of style. A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard over the break to make this possible. Many hands and minds came together to create this result, and this is our first day. Thank you to the fans for coming and bringing your energy. Your passion is truly unmatched. New year, new car. Same mission. Welcome SF-26.”

This message reflects not only the excitement of the debut but also the full awareness of the responsibility that lies ahead: bringing Ferrari back to the top of Formula 1.

The first contact between Hamilton and the SF-26 marks the start of a journey that blends expectations, ambition, and a strong connection with the fans. The first technical answers will come in Barcelona, but one thing is already clear: the British champion’s new adventure in red has started with the right energy and a mission that leaves no room for doubt. Ferrari and Hamilton are looking forward, together.