Lewis Hamilton ‘excited for new beginnings’ after Ferrari SF-26 run

12:05, 24 Jan

byShayni Solanki

Lewis Hamilton shares his excitement ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season after Ferrari unveiled the SF-26 car at the Fiorano Circuit near Maranello.

The seven-time world champion was present alongside his teammate Charles Leclerc in the town of Fiorano for the anticipated Ferrari launch on Friday.

Hamilton witnessed the new SF-26 car run for the first time at Ferrari's private test track on Friday ahead of the first pre-season test in Barcelona next week.

"I'm excited for new beginnings."

- Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton said: "I mean, if you probably look at all my other interviews all the other years, I'd never say that I get excited.

"I'm massively excited, and I think that's okay to say that.

"Yeah, I'm excited for new beginnings. It's been such a focus on resetting, having a good break, even though it was the shortest one we've ever had. I would say it was just what was needed.

"I think [it felt refreshing] learning new patterns and undoing patterns. [I was] removing things that don't serve me, or bring me the right energy and making sure you're just showing up in the right way.

"So I'm excited about the first test. Obviously, today I don't get to push it, but it feels cool in Fiorano. But obviously, next week, we will start to try and stretch the leg."

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6:53 PM · Jan 23, 2026

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What is in store for Ferrari this year?

Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur claimed that the SF-26 marks a "new era for Ferrari."

It is no secret that Ferrari struggled last season, with Lewis Hamilton acknowledging that 2026 will be the "biggest challenge" of his career.

With Ferrari failing to win a race last season, the pressure is high for the SF-26 to perform under the new regulation change.

The 2026 regulations focus on a 50-50 split in the power-units between the internal combustion and electrical sides of the hybrid engines.

Hamilton shared in the Ferrari press release: "The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career.

"When a new era begins, everything revolves around development, growth as a team, and moving forward in the same direction."

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