The smile is back. Following the first winter tests, Lewis Hamilton made no secret of his enthusiasm for the Ferrari SF-26. A more playful, more demanding, but above all more dynamic car, which could well put the Briton back at the heart of the fight for the world title in 2026.
The SF-26, the Ferrari that rekindles Lewis Hamilton's fighting spirit
The smile returned. Following the first winter tests, Lewis Hamilton He did not hide his enthusiasm for the Ferrari SF-26. A more playful, more demanding, but above all more lively single-seater, which could well put the Briton back at the heart of the fight for the world title in 2026.
After a studious off-season, the Scuderia Ferrari seems to have found the recipe for offering Hamilton and Charles Leclerc a solid foundation in this new regulatory era. Despite tests conducted away from the spotlight, the SF-26 quickly attracted attention, particularly during the final day of testing in Barcelona, where Hamilton topped the unofficial timesheets.
But beyond the times, it was the feeling that marked the seven-time world champion.
"This generation of cars is definitely more fun to drive. It's prone to oversteer, it's twitchy, it slides a lot, but it's also easier to control and clearly more enjoyable."he told F1.com.
This is a rare statement in recent months, as the Briton seemed to be struggling with his 2025 car.
Hamilton He also notes a clear break with previous generations of F1 cars. According to him, the 2026 Ferrari has "Much less aerodynamic downforce", a change that demands more commitment behind the wheel. The result: a more delicate car, but also more rewarding, as evidenced by his post-test interviews, punctuated by a smile that had become unusual last year.
This development comes at just the right time. After a frustrating first season in red, marked by retirement rumors, the atmosphere surrounding the Briton has radically changed. The optimism displayed in Maranello contrasts sharply with the gloom of 2025 and fuels a clear hope: that of seeing Hamilton to reconnect with the struggle at the top.
At 41 years, Hamilton He may be approaching one of the final chapters of his career, but certainly not the least ambitious. An eighth world title with Ferrari would not only be a sporting achievement; it would represent a mythical conclusion to nearly two decades spent at the highest level.
The 2026 season will open on March 8 in Melbourne. Before then, the Bahrain tests will either confirm or refute this initial impression. One thing is certain: when Lewis Hamilton He talks about pleasure, the paddock listens.
