Lewis Hamilton hails Ferrari effort after topping Barcelona test

Lewis Hamilton has hailed Ferrari’s incredible effort across the winter break in putting together a solid SF-26 package, which avoided any "major problems" throughout the Barcelona test.

The seven-time world champion was first in the car on Tuesday afternoon in wet conditions, an experience he later reflected on as being "valuable".

He returned to the car on Thursday and again on Friday afternoon, with the veteran setting the quickest lap of the test in the final hour of running.

Hamilton set a 1m 16.348 to post the fastest time of the test, filling the Scuderia with hope. In addition, the Briton completed 204 laps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The test has left the 41-year-old feeling very optimistic; however, he is aware that all the data must be assessed before the two three-day tests in Bahrain next month.

"It’s been a really productive and enjoyable week," said Hamilton. "There has been a huge amount of work over the winter, both personally and from everyone in the team, and it’s good to see that reflected in the mileage we’ve been able to complete without major issues. 

"Driving in wet conditions early on was actually a valuable experience, especially with a new car, and overall it’s been a solid start. 

"There’s still a lot to learn and plenty of work to do, but the atmosphere in the team is positive and focused. 

"Now we’ll take everything we’ve learned, continue analysing the data and prepare carefully for the Bahrain test."