Lewis Hamilton issues Ferrari firm instruction after 'no illusion' F1 claim

Lewis Hamilton has told Ferrari it must ensure it is "clear and concise" with its decisions after a strong first pre-season test in Barcelona.

Hamilton topped the timesheets in the behind-closed-doors shakedown test in Spain across the last week, posting a 1:16.348 late on Day 5 to pip former team-mate George Russell to the fastest time. 

Ferrari ran without any major reliability concerns, with the SF-26 in the leading gaggle of teams along with Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren, although at this early stage, the true pecking order is unknown. 

Hamilton is looking to bounce back from his worst-ever F1 season in 2025, in which he failed to score a single grand prix podium for the first time, as he was upbeat as he prepares to start his 20th campaign, in a year he will reach 400 grands prix, currently scheduled to be round 20 in Mexico City. 

"Everyone is positive and incredibly enthusiastic," Hamilton explained.

"I mean, we're under no illusions. We know we've got work to do, Mercedes has done great running, and Red Bull and Haas did as well. 

"So I don't know really where we are, but I think it is a solid first week, and we can really build from here, so there may be some big leaps that we need to take.

"Development is going to be key, and it is just making sure that we leave no stone left unturned, and that we are really clear and concise with our communication and the decisions we take.

"It is going to take all of us to be at our best, and I'm just seeing everyone coming with a new energy this year, which is great."