Lewis Hamilton has sent a positive message ahead of the new Formula 1 season, saying he feels great affinity with his new Ferrari, as his “DNA is within it.”
The Briton cut a disappointed and objectively lonely figure during his opening campaign with the Scuderia last year, which yielded no podium finishes for the first time in his career.
It left Ferrari with an added element of pressure to succeed in the production of its 2026 machine, as F1 enters a new year of technical regulations.
The SF-26 is largely considered to not be the fastest car on the grid, but with reliability a grey area amid the new rule reset, it appears that it can boast a solidity from its new machine.
Hamilton, speaking at the Bahrain International Circuit on the opening day of the second week of pre-season testing, said that he has spent the off-season determined to complete a reset of his own.
“I think I always try to enter into a season with confidence,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“But of course you are faced with all sorts of different challenges along the way. I think this has obviously gone through quite a bit.
“And for me, all the last years behind me.I really felt that I spent a lot of time rebuilding over this winter. Refocusing. Really getting my body and my mind to a much better place.”
Hamilton added that he was “just making sure that I’m able to arrive feeling better,” adding: “I generally feel, personally, in the best place that I’ve been in a long time.”
Lewis Hamilton reveals he is ‘more connected’ to new Ferrari challenger
Hamilton continued that he is personally invigorated by the new regulations, as he and his fellow 21 competitors are constantly finding out new things as the season-opener in Australia approaches.
The seven-time World Champion also revealed he feels more at one with the SF-26, as he has been able to personally give more of his own input in its development.
“And it’s an exciting time with this new generation of cars as well. Because it’s all brand new. We’re all trying to figure it out on the go,” he said.
“And as well, last year we were locked into a car that ultimately I inherited.
“This is a car that I’ve been able to be a part of developing on the simulator for the last 10 months, 8 months. And a bit of my DNA is within it.
“So I’m more connected to this one for sure.”
There is certainly no sense of panic from Hamilton on any front, as he appeared relaxed and cheerful, despite the remaining anomaly of having no fixed race engineer for the new season.
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