Lewis Hamilton said he feels “more familiar” with Ferrari’s 2026 car than its predecessor and is “really excited” to see what the team can achieve this season.
The seven-time world champion endured a tough first season with the Italian team after his highly successful move from Mercedes, going a full season without a Grand Prix podium for the first time in his career.
But Ferrari have made an encouraging start to the 2026 pre-season, establishing themselves as one of the early favorites ahead of the start of the third and final test event in Bahrain on Wednesday.
Before driving in Wednesday’s afternoon session, Hamilton was asked by Sky Sports if he was the most optimistic he was before a season in the past five years.
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“I don’t remember the last five years, but maybe that’s the case,” Hamilton said. “I always try to go into the season with confidence, but of course you will face all kinds of different challenges along the way.
“Obviously, I’ve been through quite a bit and for me all of this last year is behind me. I spent a lot of time this winter rebuilding, refocusing and really getting my body and mind into a better place.”
“Personally, I truly feel that with the rearrangement of things within the team, we are in the best place we have ever been.
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Jenson Button admits it was “tough” to watch former teammate Lewis Hamilton struggle in his first season at Ferrari, but is rooting for the seven-time world champion’s progress this year.
“And with the car, I think we’ve started very well so far. It’s an exciting time with the new generation of cars. Everything is brand new, so we’re all trying to figure it out as we go.”
“Last year we were locked into a car and in the end I took over. This car I was able to participate in developing in the simulator, so part of my DNA is in it. I’m definitely more connected to this car.”
“I have 100 percent confidence in this team.”
Despite finishing a disappointing fourth in last year’s constructors’ championship, Ferrari has a chance to bounce back quickly by introducing both a new power unit and chassis for 2026, which provides a reset.
Hamilton showed some signs of frustration at times during his first year in the redshirt, but maintained his faith in the team and always knew that Ferrari’s transformation would not happen “overnight”.
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He said: “My belief in the team is still exactly the same. (I) believe 100 percent in this team and their abilities. That’s why I joined the team.”
“We knew it wasn’t going to be an overnight success. That’s why we signed a longer-term deal, because we knew that a lot of times it’s a process.”
“As a team, I feel like we learned a lot from last year and there have been some changes.
“Everyone always wants to improve and get better, so I think we’re all working together more than ever before. I’m excited about that progress.”
Sky Sports F1 Bahrain test schedule
Thursday, February 19th
6:50am to 11:05am: Morning session live 11:55am to 4:10pm: Afternoon session live 8pm: Test lap
Friday, February 20th
6:50am to 11:05am: Morning session live 11:55am to 4:10pm: Afternoon session live 8pm: Test lap
Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, including the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
