The start of the 2026 Formula 1 season brings early challenges for Lewis Hamilton, as reports indicate a significant delay in Ferrari’s preparations for the upcoming campaign. The much-anticipated arrival of Hamilton at Maranello, as part of the team’s bold plans, now faces added scrutiny as the first milestone for the new SF-26 car remains incomplete.
Uncertainty Surrounds Ferrari’s Preparations for 2026
As Scuderia Ferrari enters a pivotal period, uncertainty over the progress of their 2026 car is mounting. According to sources, Ferrari has yet to perform the crucial first firing of the SF-26’s engine, a major step that usually signals a team’s readiness for pre-season testing. This delay has increased concerns, as the new season is widely regarded as make-or-break for key figures, including team principal Fred Vasseur, whose future may depend on this year’s results.
The pressure on Ferrari’s top management, including chairman John Elkann and senior executives at their Maranello base, continues to grow. Devoted fans, known as the Tifosi, are watching closely, eager for evidence that the team’s high-profile moves—such as pairing Lewis Hamilton with Charles Leclerc—will soon yield results and improve on the previous year’s performance. The team’s hopes are firmly placed on the newly developed SF-26, but the slow start has fueled further apprehension.
Italian media outlet AutoRacer Italy reports that the SF-26’s fire-up, a necessary event before physical testing can proceed, still has not occurred. Although this moment was originally scheduled to happen already, it has been postponed, with expectations that it will take place in the near future. This step is vital, especially in light of the sweeping changes to power units and chassis regulations coming into effect for 2026. Any delay at this stage can have significant downstream effects as teams seek to maximize development time.
Key Milestones and Progress Despite Setbacks
In spite of these challenges, there have been some positive developments within the team. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have reportedly completed their seat fittings for the 2026 machine, marking vital progress toward track readiness. Furthermore, the team has approved the final chassis design for the SF-26, ensuring that at least some aspects of development are proceeding as planned.
Still, Ferrari’s inability to complete the initial fire-up as scheduled highlights a period of unwanted instability. The fire-up is more than a mere formality—it represents the first occasion the new engine comes to life after installation, setting the stage for subsequent shakedown and testing phases. With the 2026 season also bringing a fresh set of regulations for both chassis and power units, any interruption in these initial phases could have outsized consequences as the season progresses.
Expert Opinion: Hamilton Will Need Time to Adjust
The transition for Lewis Hamilton into Ferrari has drawn comparisons to earlier high-profile moves—most notably, Michael Schumacher’s famously long journey to lead Ferrari to victory. Former Ferrari engineer Jock Clear recently spoke of the patience required for Hamilton to succeed at his new team, using historic perspective to frame current challenges.
“I remind people that when Michael went to Ferrari, it took the team five years before he won anything. It doesn’t happen overnight and I said to a few people middle of the season, I know Lewis really had a tough time last year dealing with how difficult the challenge was,” said Clear [via PlanetF1].
Clear, who left Ferrari after a decade and previously worked as Hamilton’s performance engineer at Mercedes and as Charles Leclerc’s driver coach, emphasized that difficult seasons often precede future success.
“But he just needs time. Lewis is not going to give up just because 2025 was tough, he foresaw it being very tough. Hamilton will come back stronger and harder next year, work on the development and do everything he can do to see the project through.”
This perspective underscores the ongoing intensity and emotion that surrounds both Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari and the organization’s campaign to return to winning ways. As the team faces increased pressure from the Tifosi and top leadership, Hamilton’s ability to adapt—alongside Leclerc’s continued progress—will be vital elements throughout the demanding 2026 season.
What Lies Ahead for Ferrari and Hamilton
While the recent setback with the SF-26’s initial fire-up introduces further tension ahead of the new season, Ferrari’s management remains committed to overcoming early hurdles. The team is still expected to complete the delayed milestone soon, restoring momentum in the lead-up to pre-season testing. With high stakes for both Fred Vasseur and executive leadership, all eyes will be on how quickly Ferrari can recover and channel their resources behind the pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc.
The coming weeks are likely to determine whether Ferrari can put its early mistakes behind it and deliver on the promise of the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 2026 season. Given the strong emotions and tensions brewing within Maranello, as well as the high-profile personalities involved—such as Jock Clear, John Elkann, Fred Vasseur, and the Tifosi—the next chapter promises to be critical for one of F1’s most storied teams.
