Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is feeling a lot more confident in the 2026 Ferrari compared to last year’s car.
2025 was not how Hamilton wanted to start his years with Ferrari. After making the shock move away from Mercedes, there were hopes that Ferrari would be able to deliver him his sought-after 8th world title.
However, the dream was not to be, and Hamilton struggled with the SF-25. He finished the season in 6th place and was looking forward to the upcoming changes for a fresh start.
Starting with confidence
Hamilton is entering his 20th season in F1 in 2026. During testing, Hamilton said in Bahrain he felt more optimistic than he had at the start of any season in the past five years.
“I don’t remember the last five years, but maybe, yeah. I always try to enter into a season with confidence, but of course, you’re faced with all sorts of different challenges along the way.
“I’ve obviously gone through quite a bit, and for me, all of last year is behind me. I spent a lot of time rebuilding over this winter, refocusing, really getting my body and mind to a much better place. I genuinely feel, personally, in the best place that I’ve been in a long time, with rearranging things within my team.”
Hamilton’s thoughts on the 2026 Ferrari
Ferrari has had a good start to F1 testing in Bahrain. The team is looking to be one of the top contenders for the 2026 season. Final testing is underway this week, and Hamilton agrees that they have gotten off to a good start. Being able to help develop the car has helped him to feel more comfortable.
“And then with the car, I think we’ve started off quite well so far. It’s an exciting time with the new generation of cars, because it’s all brand new, we’re all trying to figure it out on the go.
“Last year we were locked into a car that ultimately, I inherited. This is a car that I’ve been able to be a part of developing on the simulator, and so a bit of my DNA is within. I’m more connected to this one, for sure.”
Faith in Ferrari
Despite the difficulties he has faced, Hamilton still has faith in Ferrari. He has been able to put his frustrations aside to remain faithful to team.
“My belief in the team is still absolutely the same. [I have] 100 per cent faith in this team and what they’re capable of, and that’s why I joined the team.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be an overnight thing where we had success immediately. That’s why I signed a longer deal, because I knew that more often than not, it’s a process.
“I feel like we’ve also learned a huge amount from last year as a team, and there have been changes that we’ve made.
“Everyone’s constantly keen to make improvements and be better, so I think we’re working better together than ever before, so I’m excited for that moving forward.”
