Hamilton hails 'amazing' reliability as he logs crucial first dry mileage in Ferrari SF-26
Lewis Hamilton expressed strong satisfaction after completing 87 reliable laps in Ferrari's SF-26 during dry running in Barcelona, marking a positive and productive start to his on-track work with the team. He highlighted the improved reliability as a key step forward, allowing for crucial data collection on the new car's tires, aerodynamics, and power unit ahead of the official pre-season test in Bahrain.
Lewis Hamilton completed a trouble-free 87 laps in the dry with Ferrari's new SF-26 in Barcelona on Thursday, describing the productive day as "amazing" and a significant improvement over the team's recent testing form. The session provided the seven-time champion with his first real opportunity to evaluate the car's handling, tire behavior, and new power unit on a representative track, marking a critical step in his integration with the Scuderia.
Why it matters:
This represents Hamilton's first meaningful dry-weather running in the car he will campaign for the next two seasons, setting the initial baseline for his partnership with Ferrari. After a rain-disrupted start to testing, the reliability and sheer volume of laps completed signal a positive shift from recent years where the team often faced early technical gremlins, providing a more stable platform for development under the new regulations.
The details:
- Hamilton completed 85 laps in the morning session alone, focusing on data gathering with the C1 and C2 tire compounds in chilly conditions that limited grip.
- The driver praised the team's factory personnel for the car's initial reliability, noting it was "better than we've experienced in the past" despite the completely new set of technical rules.
- The afternoon saw teammate Charles Leclerc take over driving duties, with Hamilton actively participating from the pit wall to compare notes and plan the final day of running.
- The collaborative process between the two drivers is already accelerating Ferrari's understanding of the SF-26, with both sharing feedback on problems, positives, and negatives to define a clear test plan for Bahrain.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to consolidating the data from Barcelona and preparing for the official pre-season test in Bahrain next month. Hamilton emphasized the need to make "clear and concise decisions" on what to test moving forward, with the team aiming to translate these early, reliable miles into a competitive package for the season opener.