Hamilton takes wheel of Ferrari SF-26 during Barcelona shakedown

Lewis Hamilton returned to the cockpit of the Ferrari SF-26 as the Scuderia continued its shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The seven-time champion took over from Charles Leclerc for the afternoon session, marking his second run with the team following the initial Fiorano test earlier this year.

Why it matters:

With the 2026 regulations looming, these shakedown runs are vital for Hamilton's integration into Ferrari's operational structure. Maximizing track time now allows the team to gather early data and ensure the driver feels comfortable with the new power unit and chassis dynamics before competitive action begins.

The details:

• Driver Rotation: Hamilton replaced teammate Charles Leclerc, who handled the morning duties. Red Bull Racing also executed a driver swap, with reserve Isack Hadjar taking over from Max Verstappen for the afternoon session.
• Morning Pace: Verstappen set the early pace with a time in the 1:20.00s, finishing roughly eight-tenths of a second clear of Leclerc.
• Variable Conditions: Both Leclerc and Verstappen navigated mixed weather, completing runs in both dry and wet conditions which forced teams to adapt their strategies on the fly.
• Hamilton's Run: The Mercedes legend completed several installation laps before returning to the pits to begin his planned on-track program.

What's next:

The shakedown period is set to expand, with teams like McLaren—opting out of Tuesday's running—expected to join the track shortly. As pre-season activities ramp up, these sessions will provide the clearest indication yet of the pecking order under the new regulatory era.