Lewis Hamilton declares stronger connection to 2026 Ferrari car and growing excitement ahead of first season with Scuderia

Lewis Hamilton feels more connected to his 2026 Ferrari and is increasingly excited for the new F1 season as he prepares for his debut with the Scuderia in Melbourne.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 23, 2026, 6:49 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from skysports.com.

Hamilton feels growing alignment with Ferrari machinery

Lewis Hamilton described a noticeable evolution in his relationship with the 2026 Ferrari since early simulator sessions and wind-tunnel evaluations. The British driver noted that initial unfamiliarity with the team's working methods and car characteristics has given way to greater comfort and mutual understanding. According to Hamilton, the SF-26 responds well to his driving style once fine-tuned, allowing him to extract performance more naturally than during the first phases of adaptation.

Close collaboration with engineers builds confidence

Hamilton praised the open communication within Ferrari's technical group, emphasising how feedback loops between drivers, aerodynamicists and power-unit specialists have accelerated progress. He highlighted specific areas where his input influenced setup directions, particularly in braking stability and low-speed corner exit traction. This collaborative environment has fostered trust and convinced him that the project possesses genuine championship potential under the new active-aero and power-unit regulations.

Excitement intensifies as season opener approaches

With pre-season testing concluded and the calendar now shifting to Melbourne, Hamilton admitted his anticipation has reached new levels. The prospect of racing in Ferrari red for the first time competitively, combined with the uncertainty and opportunity created by the regulation overhaul, fuels his motivation. He described the upcoming campaign as one of the most intriguing in recent memory, where small advantages could prove decisive across a highly competitive field.