Hamilton finds 'positive' gains but warns new regulations are 'complex'

20:31, 13 Feb

Updated: 20:34, 13 Feb

byOlly Darcy

Lewis Hamilton pointed to a "positve week" for himself and Ferrari after the first week of winter testing in Bahrain despite battling with a "complex" set of regulations.

"The SF-26 has felt generally good, but this generation of car is quite complex."

- Lewis Hamilton

The seven-time World Champion was in action for both sessions on Friday, finishing in the top three after posting a 1:34.209, while the two Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell surged ahead.

There was also a small issue that ended the 41-year-old's day prematurely, bringing out the red flag during the final minutes of the afternoon after his SF-26 stopped on track.

Despite that issue ending his day, Hamilton was quick to consider the positives from the opening days of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Lewis Hamilton completed 202 laps across the first three days of testing in Bahrain - Photo: Race Pictures

"It’s been a positive week overall. We completed a lot of laps and went through the full programme, which allowed us to gather plenty of useful data and learn more about the car," the Brit said.

"The SF-26 has felt generally good, but this generation of car is quite complex and finding the right operating window, especially with the tyres, is key.

"We’ve made some good discoveries and also identified areas where we can improve. We still have another test ahead of us, which will be important to build on what we’ve learned and continue making progress."

Ferrari want 'clarity' over regulations

One of the biggest talking points all winter has surrounded Mercedes and its reported compression ratio 'trick', with CEO and team principal Toto Wolff previously hitting out at rivals' complaints.

In Bahrain, Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur confirmed that Ferrari would not be protesting the German team's design, but insisted on 'clarity' regarding the regulations.

"There were [going to be] different understandings of the regulations from team to team, and sometimes from teams to the FIA. It's a direct consequence of the new regulation, and it was always like this," the Frenchman explained.