Hamilton Embraces New Era After Ferrari's 2026 Car Debut

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has shared his excitement after experiencing Ferrari's 2026 challenger for the first time during a private shakedown at the team's Fiorano test facility.

Historic Rule Changes Spark Enthusiasm

The British racing icon, preparing for his 20th F1 season and second with Scuderia Ferrari, described feeling "massively excited" about the sport's upcoming technical revolution. "I think that's ok to say that," Hamilton remarked to F1 media. "I'm excited for new beginnings."

"It's been such a focus on resetting, having a good break. The break, even though it was the shortest we've ever had, was just what was needed."

Team Prepares for Barcelona Shakedown

Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc completed limited laps in the SF-26 just 47 days after concluding their challenging 2025 campaign. The duo now heads to Spain for F1's official preseason testing, where teams will properly evaluate their radically redesigned cars under 2026's sweeping regulation changes.

The Monegasque driver acknowledged the scale of adaptation required: "We kind of have to relearn most of the programs. This makes it a big challenge, but that's something that excites me."

Ferrari's Home Advantage

As passionate tifosi watched from beyond Fiorano's perimeter, Hamilton reflected on the unique Ferrari experience: "When they open the garage door you can see the tifosi... that's something I'll never be able to forget."

Team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed the initial running met basic objectives, while emphasizing the long development road ahead under F1's most significant technical overhaul in decades.