Hamilton praises Ferrari's 'amazing' early 2026 test reliability

Lewis Hamilton hailed Ferrari's "amazing" start to 2026 pre-season testing, noting the team's strong reliability and high mileage are already a significant improvement over their troubled start last year. The seven-time champion completed 85 laps in dry conditions during his first proper run in the new SF-26, with teammate Charles Leclerc adding 89 more in the afternoon for a smooth first shakedown in Barcelona.

Why it matters:

For a team embarking on a massive regulatory overhaul with all-new power unit and chassis rules, a trouble-free start is critical for gathering essential data. After Hamilton's debut 2025 season with Ferrari was marred by reliability issues—including a curtailed Bahrain test and a podium-less campaign—this early stability is a positive sign that the Maranello squad has learned from past mistakes and is better prepared for the new era.

The details:

• Hamilton's running on Tuesday was in wet conditions, making Thursday's dry run the first real test of the SF-26's baseline performance and reliability.
• The combined 174 laps for the day indicates no major technical gremlins, a stark contrast to the problem that severely limited Hamilton's running at the 2025 pre-season test.
• Hamilton credited the team's factory personnel for the car's early reliability, calling the lap count "amazing."
• While focused on their own program, Hamilton acknowledged that rival teams they typically fight at the front have also enjoyed smooth starts, suggesting a tightly packed and competitive field is developing for 2026.

What's next:

Ferrari will complete its final permitted day of the Barcelona shakedown on Friday, with Hamilton and Leclerc set to share duties once more.

• The immediate goal is to continue accumulating mileage and knowledge on the new power unit and aerodynamic package before official pre-season testing begins in Bahrain next month.
• Hamilton emphasized the importance of clear, concise decision-making based on the data gathered to prioritize testing items before the season opener in Australia.