Lewis Hamilton praises new F1 cars as more 'fun' and forgiving after Ferrari shakedown

Lewis Hamilton, drawing from his vast experience across five major F1 regulation changes, has given a positive initial verdict on the 2026-generation cars, calling them more enjoyable to drive than their predecessors. After completing extensive testing for Ferrari at the Barcelona shakedown, the seven-time champion highlighted the car's more forgiving nature compared to the knife-edge 2022-25 ground-effect machines.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's assessment carries significant weight as one of the sport's most experienced drivers. His preference for a more drivable car could signal a successful shift in the regulations' philosophy, moving away from the extreme and often punishing characteristics of the previous generation. A positive reception from drivers is crucial for the long-term acceptance and racing quality of the new ruleset.

The details:

• Hamilton unofficially set the fastest lap (1m16.348s) during the shakedown and, alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, helped Ferrari complete 444 laps at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
• He described the new car as "oversteery and snappy and sliding, but it's a little bit easier to catch," directly contrasting it with the previous generation's handling.
• Ferrari's test program included an intentional wet-weather running day, a rarity in pre-season testing. Hamilton welcomed this, noting his difficult first wet race for Ferrari in Australia last year was a "very hard" learning curve.
• He praised the team's reliability and preparation, stating the SF-26 ran with minimal downtime and allowed for consistent data gathering.
• Beyond the car's feel, Hamilton emphasized the "winning mentality" he senses within the Ferrari team, calling it stronger than ever.

What's next:

The Barcelona shakedown provided only a first glimpse, and all teams face a substantial development curve. Hamilton acknowledged that "we definitely have work to do to improve, of course, like everybody does." The true competitive picture and whether the cars deliver on the promise of better racing will only become clear during official pre-season testing and the opening rounds of the 2026 championship.