Lewis Hamilton left stunned after first Ferrari 2026 F1 laps: 'I'll never be able to forget'

Lewis Hamilton was left stunned after completing his first laps of 2026 in Ferrari’s new SF-26, with the reception from the Tifosi being something the Briton will “never be able to forget.”

On Friday morning, the Maranello-based outfit unveiled its first car for the new F1 power unit regulations at its Fiorano test track, before conducting its initial shakedown.

In traditional fashion, fans of Ferrari, known as the Tifosi, were present at the circuit several hours before the launch — one of the most unique occasions in the sport.

Hamilton was the first to complete laps in Ferrari’s latest F1 car, before Charles Leclerc took over to gauge his initial impression of the car.

Both drivers waved to the Tifosi during their running, with the layout of the Fiorano circuit offering them a special experience.

As Hamilton explained, the Tifosi standing around the first corner become visible the moment the garage door opens — a feeling the seven-time world champion still finds incredible.

The entire day of launching the SF-26 was full of excitement for the 41-year-old, who was relieved to fit comfortably into the cockpit.

Asked what it was like driving Ferrari's new car, Hamilton told F1: "Well, I mean, last year was the first time sitting in a red car, and that was so unique as a first, and that will always be the first. 

"But I mean, in this one, obviously the cockpit is quite white because we’ve got the livery — it’s great. The good thing is, when you come back, you always hope you fit. Fortunately, I fit completely fine.

"I don’t know, it’s just so exciting when they fire the car up and you get the new vibration of the car through your body. Then they open up the door, and you end up going down to Turn 1, where you can literally see the Tifosi when they open the door. 

"That’s something I will never get used to, and something I’ll never be able to forget."