Hamilton and Leclerc Offer Early Impressions on Ferrari's 2026 F1 Challenger

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have provided their initial feedback on Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 challenger following its shakedown at Fiorano. This early assessment, conducted over a limited number of laps, marks a significant step for the new F1 cars designed for the 2026 rule changes.

Initial Shakedown at Fiorano

Hamilton had the privilege of driving the SF-26 first at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track immediately after its unveiling. Following his stint, he handed the car over to Leclerc, who then completed the initial shakedown laps.

Hamilton's Enthusiasm

Hamilton expressed excitement, noting the experience of the car starting and seeing the Tifosi at Turn 1. He described the day as an opportunity to reconnect with the team and the passion of its followers.

He stated it reignited his love for the sport.

Leclerc's Measured Assessment

Leclerc acknowledged that it was too early to determine the car's performance capabilities. He indicated that the primary objective of the day was to confirm that all systems were functioning correctly and that there were no major issues.

"The primary objective of the day was to confirm that all systems were functioning correctly and that there were no major issues, which was achieved."

He noted that the track conditions, including fog and some wet areas, were not ideal for initial testing. Despite this, Leclerc expressed excitement for the milestone, acknowledging the extensive work involved in reaching this stage and testing the car's sensors for the first time.

Looking Ahead

Hamilton also commented on the upcoming season, mentioning his focus on resetting and making new patterns. He anticipates the first full test next week to understand the capabilities of this new generation car. He highlighted the refreshed feeling within the team and the significant effort from various departments.

Both Hamilton and Leclerc are scheduled to drive Ferrari's 2026 challenger again during the collective shakedown in Barcelona.