Hamilton's fresh start: Ferrari SF-26 "contains my DNA" to unlock potential

After a torrid 2025 campaign that saw him finish sixth in the championship standings, 86 points adrift of Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton is entering 2026 with renewed optimism. The seven-time world champion's disappointing Ferrari debut—marked by zero grand prix victories and a crushing string of qualifying struggles—left him visibly deflated, at one stage admitting it was "the worst season ever." But Bahrain's pre-season testing has provided a glimmer of hope, with Hamilton crediting his involvement in the SF-26's development as a fundamental shift in his relationship with the Scuderia.

The SF-25 inheritance problem

That narrative changes dramatically in 2026. "Last year we were locked into a car that ultimately I inherited," Hamilton explained during Bahrain testing. "This is a car that I've been able to be a part of developing on the simulator for the last 10 months. A bit of my DNA is within it."

Beyond the cockpit: systematic overhaul

"I spent a lot of time rebuilding over this winter, refocusing, really getting my body and my mind to a much better place," the 41-year-old noted during Wednesday's testing debrief.

The regulation change X-Factor

The 2026 regulatory shift—introducing an entirely new generation of machinery with fresh ground effect rules—levels the playing field for all competitors. This worked decisively in Hamilton's favor; he no longer faces the disadvantage of adapting to a pre-existing platform. Instead, Ferrari and every other team are simultaneously grappling with unfamiliar aerodynamics and power unit configurations.

"It's just an exciting time with this new generation of car as well, because it's all brand new, we're all trying to figure it out on the go," Hamilton emphasized.

The contract confidence

Perhaps most telling is Hamilton's decision to extend his Ferrari contract—a commitment grounded in unwavering belief. "That's why I signed a longer deal, because I knew it was more often than not, it's a process," he stated. 2026 remains the final year of his current agreement, making it a critical juncture to demonstrate Ferrari made the right choice in recruiting him.