Hamilton Highlights Winning Mentality at Ferrari After Pre-Season Tests
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has expressed his optimism about Ferrari’s performance after the first week of the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing. Hamilton, who set the fastest time in the Barcelona test with a 1:16.348 in the last hour, beating his former Mercedes teammate’s best time by 0.097 seconds. Although lap times are less relevant at this stage, Ferrari had three productive days on the track, completing a total of 440 laps between Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc. With two tests remaining in Bahrain before the start of the season, Hamilton was encouraged by his team’s positive start in 2026.
Hamilton added that he feels a “winning mentality” in each member of the team, which he considers a very positive aspect. The new regulations for 2026 have increased the electrical power of the power unit and have reduced the size and weight of the cars. Hamilton emphasized that Ferrari still needs to work to fully understand its new car and that significant performance improvements will likely be required to stand out.“We definitely have work to do to improve, of course, like everyone, but I think we’ve had great analyses,” said Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton
The increase in electrical power will put emphasis on the drivers during the races, who will have to manage the available energy from the cockpit. Active aerodynamics have been introduced on the front and rear wings to reduce drag on the straights, and overall downforce levels have also been reduced due to stricter regulations on the car’s floor. Hamilton added that the new car is “a bit more fun to drive”, with a more “oversteering and agile” behavior, but also “a bit easier to control”. He concluded by saying that he finds it “definitely more enjoyable”.“We are under no illusions that we have work to do,” he stated. “I think it’s been a solid first week and we can build from here. We may have to take big steps.”
Lewis Hamilton
