Lewis Hamilton Makes Thrilling Ferrari SF-26 Debut, Embraces “New Beginnings”

Lewis Hamilton couldn’t hide his excitement as Ferrari revealed their new SF-26 car at the Fiorano Circuit near Maranello on Friday.

The seven-time world champion joined teammate Charles Leclerc for the highly anticipated launch, watching the new machine take its first laps around Ferrari’s private test track ahead of next week’s pre-season testing in Barcelona.

“I’m massively excited, and I think that’s okay to say that,” Hamilton admitted.

It’s a rare show of enthusiasm from the British driver, who typically plays it cool before new seasons.

“I mean, if you probably look at all my other interviews all the other years, I’d never say that I get excited,” he said.

Hamilton’s fresh start with Ferrari seems to have rejuvenated him after his long stint with Mercedes.

“I’m excited for new beginnings. It’s been such a focus on resetting, having a good break, even though it was the shortest one we’ve ever had. I would say it was just what was needed,” he explained.

The champion has been working on his mental approach too, preparing for this new chapter.

“I think [it felt refreshing] learning new patterns and undoing patterns. [I was] removing things that don’t serve me, or bring me the right energy and making sure you’re just showing up in the right way.”

While Friday’s event didn’t allow Hamilton to push the car to its limits, he’s clearly itching to get behind the wheel properly.

“So I’m excited about the first test. Obviously, today I don’t get to push it, but it feels cool in Fiorano. But obviously, next week, we will start to try and stretch the leg.”

## Big challenges ahead for Ferrari

Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has bold ambitions, claiming the SF-26 marks a “new era for Ferrari.”

The Italian team faces significant pressure after failing to win a single race last season.

Hamilton himself acknowledges the mountain they’ll need to climb, calling 2026 the “biggest challenge” of his career.

The 2026 regulations will dramatically change F1’s power units, requiring a perfect 50-50 split between traditional combustion engines and electrical hybrid systems.

“The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career,” Hamilton said in Ferrari’s press release.

“When a new era begins, everything revolves around development, growth as a team, and moving forward in the same direction.”

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