Lewis Hamilton gives first verdict on the Ferrari SF-26 after “challenging” Bahrain morning | F1 testing. Lewis Hamilton completes his first 2026 F1 Bahrain test session with Ferrari .

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

At the end of the first Formula 1 test session in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton spoke about the initial sensations he experienced behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-26.

After already getting a first taste of the SF-26 during 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 completed fifty-two laps, setting a best time of 1:36.433, exactly one second slower than Max Verstappen’s benchmark.

It is worth remembering, however, that during these test days lap times should be taken with caution, as all teams are running with very different configurations, fuel loads, and engine mappings. The main objective for every team at this stage is to continue collecting valuable data and comparing it with simulation results gathered back at the factory.

Lewis Hamilton’s first impressions after Bahrain testing

At the conclusion of his first on-track session, Lewis Hamilton briefly commented on his early feelings aboard the Ferrari SF-26. “For how the track is right now, very dirty, with a lot of sand and wind, Turn 1 and Turn 4 feel very good, while in Turns 6 and 7 the feeling is different. At the moment it’s difficult to brake the car because of the wind,” the British driver said.

“It’s too early to evaluate our car compared to the others. A lot also depends on how much fuel you have on board and the engine mapping. Over these days the goal is to learn as much as possible. I’m happy to see the team very focused. We ran a lot in Barcelona and without particular issues, which is positive. I’ve already said it and I repeat it, I’m grateful to be part of the development of this car and to be able to contribute,” Lewis Hamilton added.

As the seven-time champion hands the car over to Charles Leclerc for the afternoon session, the mood in the Ferrari garage appears to be one of diligent focus. The Briton’s feedback regarding the SF-26’s sensitivity to the gusty Sakhir conditions will be vital as the engineers work to refine the balance of the new 2026 machine ahead of the season opener.