Lewis Hamilton outlines next Ferrari target after first F1 2026 experience

Lewis Hamilton has highlighted his eagerness to drive the 2026 Ferrari car in dry conditions after his on-track debut on Tuesday.

Ferrari split its duties between Charles Leclerc and Hamilton when it kick-started its shakedown from Barcelona.

While Leclerc managed to get some mileage under his belt in dry conditions, the track was wet when Hamilton took over in the afternoon.

The Italian squad didn't take to the circuit on Wednesday, meaning it is likely to be present at the track on Thursday and Friday to use up the last of its allowed days.

When asked what is on his checklist for the rest of the week, Hamilton said: “I’m hoping to experience the car in the dry and just understanding balance, understanding the new SM [Straight-Line Mode] that we have and how to utilise it, how you can feel it.

“I have not driven it in the dry, so I don’t really have a feeling for it. We drove it in the wet, which is only the front part.”

The major regulation change this year includes significant changes to the power unit with an increase in the output of the battery.

Having already experienced the difference in the simulator, Hamilton is eager to learn more about utilising the deployment in the coming days.

“And then just understanding the deployment,” he added.

“Deployment is going to be crucial, and understanding how to utilise the battery throughout the lap and recharging - all that kind of stuff.

“We’ve done a huge amount of work. Everyone has done a huge amount of work on the simulator.

“So it’s not like it’s 100% brand new for us, like we but we still have to go through our sessions and through the data to try and optimise it.”