Lewis Hamilton is already sensing a stronger mindset at Ferrari heading towards the 2026 Formula One season. After early running with the Scuderia, Hamilton is encouraged by how the team is working. The focus is on building a car that can challenge across the full championship.
The seven-time world champion is coming off a difficult first year with Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton did not stand on the podium at any grand prix. Hamilton finished sixth in the drivers' standings with 156 points, well below previous title campaigns.
Ferrari and Hamilton completed a busy week of pre-season testing in Barcelona. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc covered 440 laps between them across the sessions. Hamilton produced the fastest lap on the final day, which offered
some encouragement. The team still treated the programme as an information-gathering exercise.
Reflecting on the opening test, Hamilton highlighted the internal progress at Maranello. "We definitely have work to do to improve, of course, like everybody does, but I think we've had great debriefs," Hamilton said. "Everyone's really on it. I really feel the winning mentality in every single person in the team more than ever. So it's a positive. "
Just dropping in on a lap pic.twitter.com/pkcUK4UB1FScuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 31, 2026
Hamilton and Ferrari now look towards two further tests in Bahrain. Those days will shape preparations for the season opener in Australia. The team wants to confirm reliability, understand tyre behaviour, and refine set-ups. Hamilton believes these steps will decide how competitive Ferrari can be in 2026.
Hamilton noted the strength shown by rivals during the same Barcelona week. "I mean, we're under no illusions that we've got work to do. Mercedes have done great running as well and I think Red Bull and Haas did some great running too. So we don't really know where we are, but I think it's a solid first week and we can really build from here. But there may be some big leaps that we're going to need to take. Development's going to be key. Just really making sure we leave no stone unturned and we're really clear and concise with our communication and the decisions we take. And it's going to take all of us to be at our best. And I'm just seeing that everyone's really coming with a new energy this year, which is great. "
Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 2025 season record in Formula One
The scale of Hamilton's task with Ferrari becomes clear when viewing 2025 results. There were no podium finishes and a sixth-place championship outcome. That contrasts with Hamilton's earlier title seasons. The statistics below outline Hamilton's 2025 performance with Ferrari.
Hamilton now views 2026 as a chance to move Ferrari closer to the front. Strong testing mileage, sharper development, and improved communication are central themes. With fresh energy inside the team and clear acknowledgement of rivals' pace, Hamilton expects Ferrari to mount a more credible challenge across the new season.
