Lewis Hamilton expressed renewed determination for the 2026 Formula 1 season after a challenging debut year at Ferrari. Preseason testing in Bahrain showed promise for the team, with Charles Leclerc posting the fastest time. However, the absence of a permanent race engineer for Hamilton raises potential disruptions.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, shared an optimistic outlook on Instagram after preseason testing in Bahrain. "I'm reset and refreshed," he said. "I'm not going anywhere, so stick with me. For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support, you're not going to see that mindset again. I know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season. I've given everything to be here today."
Hamilton's 2025 season at Ferrari was difficult, marked by no wins, poles, or podiums in the main races, though he secured a sprint victory at the Chinese Grand Prix. This extended a tough period, with only two victories over the previous four years. The 2026 regulations introduce changes that may suit Hamilton better, given his past struggles with prior rulesets.
Ferrari performed strongly in testing, with Charles Leclerc recording the fastest lap in Bahrain. Hamilton described himself as "in a much better place" and enjoying the SF-26 car. Ferrari aims for its first constructors' title since 2008, while Hamilton seeks an eighth drivers' championship.
Concerns linger over Hamilton's race engineering setup. Ferrari replaced Riccardo Adami, Hamilton's 2025 engineer, after tense radio exchanges. No permanent successor was appointed for preseason, with Bryan Bozzi handling both drivers in Barcelona and Carlo Santi assisting in Bahrain. Former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli highlighted the issue, stating, "Rapport with your engineer has to be built up over time, and only then can you count on automatic responses and mutual trust in the stressful moments of competition."
Capelli noted the team's calm atmosphere and praised the car's harmonious design: "It's a very linear and harmonious car in terms of its design." Hamilton echoed worries, saying a mid-season change would be "detrimental to a season where you want to arrive with people that have done multiple seasons." Carlo Santi is expected to serve as interim for the Australian Grand Prix and early races, with Cedric Michel-Grosjean rumored as a potential permanent hire from McLaren.