Lewis Hamilton: “I feel the team’s winning mentality, but we’re not getting carried away”. Hamilton confident in Ferrari’s approach but warns against early expectations.

Across every interview given by drivers and team principals during the three days of testing in Barcelona, one common message emerged: no one truly knows where they stand compared to their rivals. And it could not be otherwise at such an early stage, not only of the season but also of the technical projects under this new regulatory cycle.

Ferrari, however, can take satisfaction from its reliability. In terms of laps completed, the Scuderia finished second only to Mercedes, while the true significance of lap times remains unclear. This uncertainty applies even to the benchmark that allowed Lewis Hamilton to end the Barcelona tests with the overall fastest lap.

A positive test

From a purely operational point of view, Ferrari’s Barcelona outing delivered encouraging signs. The SF-26 ran consistently across all three days, allowing the team to gather valuable data and complete its planned programmes. While performance comparisons remain premature, the mileage completed represents an important foundation ahead of the official pre-season tests.

Lewis Hamilton satisfied, but cautious

Speaking to F1TV at the end of the three-day Barcelona test, Lewis Hamilton shared his first impressions behind the wheel of the SF-26, designed under the new regulations. “In terms of understanding the car and balance, we have much less aerodynamic load compared to previous years. This generation of cars is more fun to drive. The car is oversteery, lively and slippery, but a bit easier to control. And I would definitely say it’s more enjoyable,” said the seven-time world champion.

Lewis Hamilton also addressed the atmosphere within the Ferrari team. “We have work to do to improve, like everyone else, but we’ve had some very good debriefs. Everyone is extremely focused, and I really feel the winning mentality in every single member of the team, more than ever. And that’s a positive thing. Everyone is positive and enthusiastic, but we’re not getting carried away. We know we have work to do, and Mercedes has done a great job as well, just like Red Bull and Haas. We don’t know where we stand,” the British driver explained.

Lewis Hamilton then concluded with a remark worth close attention: “Development will be crucial. We have to make sure we don’t leave anything behind and that we are clear and concise in our communication and in the decisions we make.”

Lewis Hamilton’s early verdict on the Ferrari SF-26 reflects a perfect balance of veteran experience and new-chapter excitement, highlighting a car that is “snappier” and more engaging to drive under the 2026 regulations. While the fastest lap in Barcelona provides a significant boost to the Tifosi’s morale, the Briton’s insistence on a “winning mentality” within the garage suggests that the real progress is happening behind the scenes in the debrief rooms. As the focus shifts from the initial shakedown to the relentless development race, his call for concise communication and clear decision-making will be the litmus test for Ferrari’s championship ambitions. These early insights confirm that while the SF-26 is a strong starting point, the ultimate success of Lewis Hamilton’s second season with the Scuderia will depend on Maranello’s ability to maintain this focus throughout the long road to the final Grand Prix.