Lewis Hamilton shares first thoughts on Ferrari SF-26: “2026 will be a major challenge”. Lewis Hamilton shares his first impressions of the Ferrari SF-26.

Lewis Hamilton shares first impressions of the Ferrari SF-26

Ferrari have revealed the SF-26 for the first time, and Lewis Hamilton has shared his initial thoughts on the 2026 project. The seven-time world champion, together with his teammate, has already completed the shakedown at the historic Fiorano circuit in front of numerous fans, as is traditional for Ferrari launches.

Lewis Hamilton now faces the challenge of finding the right feel with this new generation of cars and putting behind a difficult 2025 season. The single-seaters have been completely redesigned compared to previous years, which could provide a better match for his driving style. Driving style is a key element in the relationship between car and driver, and Lewis may now have a car more suited to his characteristics.

Hamilton on the 2026 project

After the official presentation of the Ferrari SF-26, Lewis Hamilton spoke about his first experiences with the car. He has already completed the initial laps at Fiorano in the 2026 car, featuring a livery different from previous years. Formula 1 is entering a new era, and the British driver is determined to help bring Ferrari back to the top.

“2026 represents a huge challenge for everyone; it is probably the biggest regulatory change I have experienced in my career,” Lewis Hamilton emphasized. “When entering a new era like this, everything revolves around development, the ability to grow as a team, and to do so in the same direction.”

The driver will need to adapt to a completely different style of driving compared to previous regulations: “As a driver, it has been particularly exciting to be involved from the very beginning in the development process of such a different car, working closely with the engineers to define a shared direction. It will be an extremely important year technically, where the role of the driver will be central in managing energy, new systems, and contributing to understanding the car,” he added.

Finally, Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to the fans who have always supported #44 and were once again present in large numbers at Fiorano for the SF-26 presentation: “This is a challenge we face together as a team, and we can count on the extraordinary support of the fans, which means so much to all of us.”