Hamilton finds renewed joy in 'fun' 2026 F1 car at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has declared the new generation of Formula 1 cars "more fun to drive," expressing renewed enthusiasm after his first pre-season test with Ferrari. The seven-time champion praised the car's responsive and oversteery nature, a welcome change that aligns with his driving style, and highlighted a palpable "winning mentality" within the Scuderia as the 2026 season approaches.

Why it matters:

After years of adapting to technically demanding ground-effect cars that often restricted driver input, Hamilton's positive feedback signals a regulatory shift that prioritizes driver feel and enjoyment. His immediate comfort and optimism at Ferrari, a team he joined amid immense expectation, could be a crucial psychological and performance boost for both driver and team as they aim to challenge for the championship.

The details:

• Driving Experience: Hamilton described the SF-26 as "oversteery and snappy and sliding," noting it is "a little bit easier to catch and I would definitely say more enjoyable" compared to previous car generations.
• Team Atmosphere: Beyond the car, Hamilton is energized by the culture at Maranello, stating he feels "the winning mentality in every single person in the team, more than ever."
• Realistic Outlook: Despite topping the timesheets on the final day of the Barcelona test, Hamilton and Team Principal Fred Vasseur emphasized there is "still a long way" to go before the Melbourne opener, acknowledging strong running from rivals like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Haas.
• Development Focus: Hamilton stressed that the coming development race will be critical, saying the team must ensure it leaves "no stone unturned" with clear communication and decisions to make the necessary performance leaps.

What's next:

The positive first impressions provide a solid foundation, but the true test begins with the relentless development cycle. Ferrari must translate this early promise and positive energy into sustained performance upgrades to compete over a long season. The blend of an inspired driver and an energized team creates potent potential, but converting that into consistent race-winning speed is the steep climb that lies ahead.