Lewis Hamilton Pressures Ferrari After F1 Barcelona Test 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Lewis Hamilton has urged Ferrari to be “clear and concise” in its decision-making process following a strong opening pre-season Formula 1 2026 shakedown test in Barcelona.

Hamilton set the fastest lap time during the behind-closed-doors running, posting a 1:16.348 late on Day 5 to edge out his former team-mate at Mercedes, George Russell. While lap times remain secondary at this stage, the result underlined Ferrari’s competitive baseline heading into the new season.

Ferrari completed the test without any major reliability concerns, with the SF-26 consistently running within the leading group alongside Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, and McLaren. However, given the early phase of pre-season preparation, the true competitive order across the grid remains difficult to assess.

For Hamilton, the Barcelona test represents a critical step in his preparation for a rebound season after enduring the most challenging campaign of his Formula 1 career in 2025, when he failed to score a grand prix podium for the first time. The 2026 season will mark his 20th year in Formula 1, with his 400th career start currently scheduled for round 20 in Mexico City.

Hamilton described a positive atmosphere within Ferrari but stressed that realism remains essential as the team benchmarks itself against its direct rivals.

“Everyone is positive and incredibly enthusiastic,” said Lewis Hamilton.
“We’re under no illusions. We know we’ve got work to do. Mercedes has done great running, and Red Bull and Haas have as well.”

He acknowledged that despite a solid opening week, Ferrari’s exact position in the competitive hierarchy is still unclear, placing increased importance on the next phase of development.

“I don’t really know where we are, but I think it’s been a solid first week, and we can really build from here. There are going to be some big leaps that we need to take,” he added.

Hamilton emphasised that development efficiency and internal clarity will be decisive factors as Ferrari seeks to convert early promise into sustained performance.

“Development is going to be key. It’s about making sure we leave no stone unturned, and that we are really clear and concise with our communication and the decisions we take.”

Concluding his assessment, Hamilton highlighted the collective effort required if Ferrari is to mount a genuine challenge under increasing competitive pressure.

“It’s going to take all of us to be at our best. I’m seeing everyone coming in with a new energy this year, and that’s a great thing.”

With a stable foundation established in Barcelona, Ferrari now turns its focus to refining the SF-26 ahead of the next phase of pre-season running. Clear strategic direction and consistent execution are set to play a decisive role in determining whether Hamilton and Ferrari can translate early momentum into a credible challenge at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.