Lewis Hamilton said there was an “incredibly enthusiastic” mood at Ferrari after a positive Barcelona Shakedown, adding he feels a “winning mentality in every single person in the team more than ever.”
Ferrari and Hamilton completed the shakedown without major issues, running through their programme and gathering learning about the SF-26. Hamilton praised the work done over the winter by both himself and the team, and highlighted the value of consistent running during the few days on track.
“It’s been a really enjoyable week, honestly. I think a huge amount of work over the winter, on my personal side, but what the team have done over the winter to make changes going into the test,” he said. “To see the mileage that we’ve been able to get the last couple of days due to just so much great work from all the people back at the factory, which I’m really grateful for because having consistency, not having problems…”
He acknowledged there were only small issues and no significant downtime, calling it “a really, really solid couple of days.” Hamilton conceded there is work to do — as with every team — but stressed the strong debriefs and clear communication within the team.
Hamilton, who had a difficult first season at Ferrari, also said the new-generation car “is actually a little bit more fun to drive.” He noted that Mercedes, Red Bull and Haas also did strong running at the shakedown, so Ferrari does not yet know exactly where it stands on performance, but sees the test as a solid starting point.
“Development’s going to be key. Just really making sure we leave no stone unturned, and we’re just really clear and concise with our communication and the decisions we take,” he added. “It’s going to take all of us to be at our best. I’m just seeing that everyone’s really coming with new energy this year, which is great.”
Hamilton and the F1 field will be back in action in Bahrain next week for the first of two official pre-season tests.