Lewis Hamilton has revealed that the presentation of new Ferrari SF-26 made him feel “as happy as a child,” amid reflection on a difficult debut Formula 1 season with the Scuderia.
The Briton arrives into the 2026 season appearing reinvigorated with a clean slate, owed to F1’s new regulations reset.
Hamilton, a self-confessed critic of the previous ground-effect era of the sport, seems motivated to tackle the new electrified rulebook, with Ferrari looking strong in pre-season testing.
Whilst former team Mercedes currently stand as the favourites, the Maranello-based squad gave a good account of itself in Bahrain, with Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc certainly exuding the demeanour of two men confident of a good car underneath them.
Hamilton has already given a positive verdict on the car, explaining a connection to it due to his personal input, something that was lacking with the disappointing SF-25.
But despite the multitude of negatives that contributed to the first season of no podium finishes in 19 F1 campaigns, Hamilton was also ready to uphold accountability.
“It’s about analysing where you are, setting goals and a way to achieve them,” the seven-time World Champion told Corriere della Serra.
“My goal last year was to win the World Championship with Ferrari, but I didn’t succeed.
“That doesn’t mean I can’t get there: you have to look inside yourself and observe the people around you, from your colleagues to your family, stay motivated, and ask yourself uncomfortable questions.
“‘Am I doing enough? Can I be better? Can I be kinder? How should I change my methods?’”
Lewis Hamilton speaks of ‘rediscovering joy’ ahead of year of hopeful Ferrari omen
The move for Ferrari saw Hamilton drive for a team that is not based in the United Kingdom, triggering sizeable, as well as minor, changes.
Asked if he has taken on a different approach to this season compared to his first, Hamilton said: “This is the Year of the Fire Horse, according to the Chinese calendar.
“It represents freedom, the desire to clear your mind of pressure and refocus on fundamental values.
“When you let responsibility weigh you down, you risk losing not only yourself but also the fun. You have to rediscover joy. When we presented the new car, I felt as happy as a child.”
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