BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton Stunned After Ferrari Test as Charles Leclerc Reveals Major D… Read more
Lewis Hamilton Stunned After Ferrari Test as Charles Leclerc Reveals Major Detail
Ferrari’s first on-track appearance of the 2026 Formula 1 season delivered an emotional and symbolic moment at Fiorano, as Lewis Hamilton completed his first laps in the Scuderia’s brand-new SF-26 and admitted the experience was one he would “never be able to forget.” With Charles Leclerc also taking to the track later in the day, Ferrari’s shakedown offered the first real glimpse into how the team is embracing a new era defined by sweeping power unit regulations and renewed championship ambition.
The Maranello-based outfit unveiled the SF-26 on Friday morning at its private test circuit, marking Ferrari’s first car built entirely around the 2026 technical framework. As expected, the launch attracted a large gathering of Tifosi, who lined the fences from the early hours to witness a historic occasion. The sight of fans surrounding Fiorano remains one of Formula 1’s most unique traditions, and for Hamilton, now preparing for his second season in red, it provided a powerful reminder of what Ferrari represents.
Hamilton was given the honour of completing the first laps of the new car, easing the SF-26 out of the garage for its initial systems checks before gradually building confidence. Moments later, Leclerc climbed into the cockpit to offer his own early assessment, ensuring both sides of Ferrari’s driver pairing were involved from the very first day. Throughout the running, both drivers waved to the crowd, with the tight layout of Fiorano allowing constant interaction between car and fans.
For Hamilton, the emotion of the moment was overwhelming. He explained that the Tifosi are visible almost immediately when the garage door opens, especially around the approach to Turn 1, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the sport. Even for a seven-time world champion with nearly two decades of Formula 1 experience, the intensity of Ferrari’s fanbase remains something he finds astonishing.
Reflecting on his first laps, Hamilton described the familiar blend of excitement and anticipation that comes with every new car launch. He admitted that one of his initial concerns was simply fitting comfortably into the cockpit, a practical issue that becomes more significant with new chassis designs and regulation changes. That concern quickly disappeared, however, as he confirmed the fit was perfect, allowing him to focus entirely on the driving experience.
Hamilton also highlighted the sensory impact of driving a brand-new Ferrari for the first time. The sound and vibration of the new power unit, transmitted through the car and into the driver’s body, left a strong impression. For him, those sensations symbolised the beginning of another fresh chapter, not only for Ferrari but also for his own career as he chases further success with the most famous team in Formula 1.
While Hamilton’s emotional response dominated headlines, Charles Leclerc quietly revealed a significant technical detail about the SF-26 that underlined Ferrari’s early approach to the new regulations. Leclerc noted that the initial focus of the shakedown was not outright performance but balance, drivability, and understanding how the new power unit behaves across different phases of the lap. According to the Monegasque, Ferrari has placed particular emphasis on ensuring the car feels predictable and stable, even during low-speed running and system checks.
Leclerc’s comments suggest Ferrari is prioritising a strong development foundation rather than chasing immediate headlines with lap times. With the 2026 regulations introducing major changes to power deployment, energy recovery, and overall car architecture, early confidence behind the wheel could prove decisive over the course of the season. Leclerc made it clear that these first laps were about gathering information and building trust in the car, rather than drawing conclusions about competitiveness.
The launch of the SF-26 represents more than just another new chassis for Ferrari. It marks the team’s full commitment to a regulation cycle many believe could reshape the competitive order in Formula 1. For Hamilton, the moment carried deep personal significance, combining the thrill of a new technical challenge with the unmistakable passion of the Tifosi. For Leclerc, it was a calm but revealing first step in a long development journey.
As Ferrari begins its 2026 campaign, the early signs point to a team determined to blend emotion with method. Hamilton’s unforgettable first laps and Leclerc’s measured technical insight together paint the picture of a Scuderia ready to embrace both the romance and the reality of Formula 1’s next era.
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