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Hamilton & Leclerc Hit Track in Ferrari's 2026 F1 Car
24 Jan
Summary
- Hamilton expresses excitement for new beginnings and a reset.
- Leclerc finds the new F1 technical challenge very stimulating.
- Ferrari completed five laps to gather data on the SF-26 car.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have experienced Ferrari's 2026 Formula 1 car, the SF-26, during a shakedown at Fiorano. Hamilton shared his "massive excitement" for "new beginnings" as the sport transitions into an era with all-new regulations. He described the recent break as "just what was needed" for resetting and shedding old patterns.
Leclerc characterized the new cars as one of "the biggest changes that has happened in F1 history," finding the technical challenge and implications for driving and race management particularly exciting. He noted that drivers must "relearn most of the programs" and "understand the system a lot better."
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed the shakedown "went overall pretty well," with no major issues encountered during the five laps. The primary objective was "to collect data," which the team successfully achieved.
Pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula 1 season will include a behind-closed-doors event in Barcelona (January 26-30) and two further tests in Bahrain (February 11-13 and 18-20). The season officially commences with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8.
