Hamilton finds new 2026 F1 cars 'more enjoyable' to drive

Lewis Hamilton has declared Formula 1's new generation of cars for the 2026 season are "more fun" and "more enjoyable" to drive, offering a stark contrast to his criticism of the previous ground-effect era. The Ferrari driver's positive assessment comes after completing 209 laps across three days of pre-season testing in Barcelona, signaling an encouraging start for the Scuderia with their new SF-26 challenger.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's vocal dislike for the 2022-2025 cars, which he said had "not a single thing I will miss," coincided with his least successful period in F1. His immediate approval of the new machinery, designed to be nimbler with more conventional floors and reduced downforce, suggests the sweeping regulation changes have successfully addressed driver complaints about the previous car generation's handling characteristics.

The details:

• After extensive running in Barcelona, Hamilton described the 2026 car as "oversteery and snappy and sliding, but it's a little bit easier to catch."
• The seven-time champion highlighted a strong start for Ferrari, noting "great debriefs" and feeling "the winning mentality in every single person in the team more than ever."
• On track, Ferrari and Mercedes were the only teams to complete over 400 laps during the test, with Hamilton's best lap on the final afternoon going a tenth faster than George Russell's benchmark from the previous day.
• Despite the optimism, Hamilton remained grounded: "We're under no illusions. We know we've got work to do." He pointed to solid running from Mercedes, Red Bull, and Haas as evidence that the competitive order remains unclear.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the official pre-season tests in Bahrain, where a clearer competitive picture will begin to emerge.

• Two three-day tests are scheduled for February 11-13 and 18-20 in Bahrain, where media access and live timing will be available.
• The 2026 season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8, with the first practice session on Friday, March 6.