Lewis Hamilton spins Ferrari SF-26 on Day 4 of Barcelona shakedown

Lewis Hamilton had a minor spin at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during the fourth day of unofficial 2026 car testing, a small hiccup in an otherwise smooth and productive shakedown for Ferrari. The incident, captured on video, occurred as drivers continue to adapt to the radically new 2026 machinery.

Why it matters:

While spins are a common part of any testing program, this moment offers a glimpse into the learning curve teams and drivers face with the new regulations. The 2026 cars, featuring smaller dimensions, lighter weight, and a 50/50 hybrid-biofuel power unit, represent a significant departure from their predecessors, making these early running days critical for gathering data and building driver confidence.

The details:

• Footage from the closed test shows Hamilton losing the rear of the Ferrari SF-26 at the exit of Turn 10, executing a slow 360-degree spin before continuing.
• The shakedown is the first opportunity for teams to run their 2026 cars on track, with media access heavily restricted, leading to unofficial updates and videos surfacing online.
• Ferrari’s running has been largely trouble-free. Prior reports indicated Hamilton completed 53 laps on Day 2, with teammate Charles Leclerc managing 65 laps in the morning session.
• After his first run, Hamilton called the day “really productive” and stated Ferrari needs “more days like this,” highlighting the value of uninterrupted track time.

What’s next:

Ferrari is scheduled to run again on the fifth and final day of the Barcelona shakedown, offering another crucial data-gathering opportunity. The team will aim to build on its solid mileage and continue refining the SF-26’s setup before official pre-season testing begins, as all teams work to unlock the potential of F1’s new era.