During early 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton praised Ferrari for making notable progress compared to last year’s preparations, emphasizing the team’s impressive mileage accumulation. This testing phase, held behind closed doors, marked the first chance for teams to evaluate their new cars under the updated power unit and chassis regulations for the upcoming season.
Hamilton took to the track in the Ferrari SF-26 on Thursday morning, experiencing his first dry running this week after previously encountering wet conditions during Tuesday’s shakedown. He completed 85 laps before his teammate Charles Leclerc added another 89 laps in the afternoon session, signaling that Ferrari is currently avoiding the reliability problems that hampered last year’s pre-season tests in Bahrain.
Positive Feedback from Hamilton on Reliability and Progress
Reflecting on Ferrari’s testing progress, Hamilton expressed optimism about the reliability of the new car. He noted that last year’s season included significant challenges, including a lack of podium finishes, but this year’s testing is showing encouragement.
“When you come to the test, you always want to get a lot of mileage,”
Hamilton said during the Barcelona sessions.
“Today, I did 85 laps in the morning, which is amazing. That’s really down to all the people in the factory who have done such a great job to make sure that the car, so far, is really reliable.”
He also compared this year’s start to last year’s, highlighting an improved foundation despite the introduction of complex new regulations.
“Last year we had a worse start to testing. So, considering this is a completely new band of rules, it’s better than we’ve experienced in the past, so I’m really hopeful that continues.”
Upcoming Testing Plans and Competitive Environment
As Ferrari completes their pre-season work in Barcelona, Hamilton and Leclerc are expected to continue sharing driving duties before the squad moves to official tests scheduled in Bahrain later this February. During the ongoing tests, the duo are working through separate programs to expand data collection and improve their understanding of the SF-26’s engine and aerodynamic performance.
Hamilton explained the team’s collaborative approach to development during testing:
“Still continue to try to get as much mileage and knowledge on this engine and on the car and the aero-side. We went through a programme this morning, found some learnings. Charles is doing a different set this afternoon, which is great.”
He added that both drivers share feedback to develop a clear plan for upcoming test sessions, aiming to maximize learning and refine decisions prior to Bahrain.
“My role is to listen to as much as possible. At the end of the day, we both come together and talk about our problems and the positives and the negatives. Then we’ll come up with a plan of what we want to tackle tomorrow, as our last day.”
“But already, we’ve got good data so far, so it’s just understanding that and making sure you’re making really clear and concise decisions in terms of what to test moving forwards before we get to Bahrain.”
Significance of Early Progress and Expectations for 2026
Ferrari’s smooth start in pre-season testing, led by drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, indicates promise as the team adapts to the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations. Avoiding the major reliability setbacks seen last year is crucial, and the extensive mileage in Barcelona provides valuable insights into the SF-26’s potential performance.
With competitive rivals also showing strong early form, the coming official tests in Bahrain will be vital to assess how Ferrari stacks up in power, durability, and aerodynamics ahead of the campaign’s launch. Ferrari’s development approach focusing on detailed data analysis and driver collaboration enhances the likelihood of continued progress.
Fans can look forward to the start of the 2026 season with the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 6-8, where Ferrari’s performance will be closely watched after this positive pre-season showing.
