Lewis Hamilton delivers early Ferrari verdict after first 2026 laps

Lewis Hamilton cut a positive figure after his initial experience behind the wheel of Ferrari's new F1 challenger on Tuesday.

Ferrari made its first appearance at the shakedown test on Day 2, with Charles Leclerc handling morning duties before Hamilton took over in the afternoon.

Unfortunately for Hamilton, all of his running came in wet conditions as rain saturated the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Despite the weather setback, Ferrari was able to clock up respectable mileage - leaving Hamilton to look back on the day favourably.

“It was very challenging, it started raining at 10:30, so obviously Charles had a little bit of dry running,” he said.

“But then it's been wet all afternoon, so figuring out how to get the tyres working, it was really productive. 

“I think we got 120 laps or something like that - given it's in the wet conditions, and we had a red flag, I think that's pretty solid. 

“So [I'm] really proud of everyone back at the factory for getting the car to this point.

“We got a lot of information on the car today, we definitely need to keep it up. Lots and lots to do, but a good first day.”

The major regulation change this year marks an opportunity for Ferrari to spiral up the pecking order and compete at the front of the field once again following a dismal 2025 campaign.

With no major concerns coming its way on Tuesday, Hamilton is hoping it is a theme that will continue for the Italian squad going forward.

“It could be so much worse,” he said. “It's such a big regulation change. There were no major issues.

“It's just small little increments that we are trying to improve on. I think it's great. We just need to try and get some more days like this.”