Lewis Hamilton has shared encouraging feedback about Formula 1’s upcoming 2026 machinery, describing the new generation of cars as significantly more enjoyable to drive than their predecessors. Following the completion of his final testing session of the week, the seven-time world champion expressed genuine satisfaction with both the car and the progress made during pre-season running.

Speaking to F1.com on Friday, Hamilton reflected positively on the experience, emphasizing how much he had enjoyed the week as a whole. He explained that the combination of personal preparation and the team’s intensive winter development had contributed to a smooth and productive test.

“It’s honestly been a really enjoyable week,” Hamilton said, highlighting how much effort had gone into preparation on both sides. He noted that he had invested heavily in his own training over the winter, while Ferrari had also worked extensively behind the scenes to implement changes ahead of the test sessions.

Hamilton’s optimism was backed up by strong on-track performance. During the Barcelona test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, he recorded the unofficial fastest lap of the day and, reportedly, the quickest time across the entire pre-season test. His best lap of 1:16.348 placed him roughly one-tenth of a second ahead of George Russell, underlining Ferrari’s promising pace.

Beyond outright speed, Hamilton stressed the importance of gathering valuable data and experience in varying conditions. He pointed to the running earlier in the week, including time spent driving in wet conditions, as particularly beneficial. According to Hamilton, those sessions helped him gain a deeper understanding of the car’s behavior and provided useful knowledge that could prove crucial once the season begins.

Another major positive for Hamilton was the reliability Ferrari demonstrated throughout the test. He praised the team for minimizing issues and maximizing track time, noting that the car completed significant mileage without any major setbacks. This consistency, he said, was a testament to the hard work of the engineers and staff back at the factory.

Hamilton expressed gratitude for the effort that went into ensuring smooth operations, explaining that uninterrupted running allowed the team to focus fully on performance and development rather than problem-solving. While he acknowledged that minor issues are inevitable in Formula 1, he was pleased that there were no significant delays or downtime during the test days.

Comparing the 2026 car to the previous generation, Hamilton was clear about his preference. He struggled with the older cars, securing just two Grand Prix victories out of his 105 career wins while driving that generation. In contrast, his early impressions of Ferrari’s SF-26 and the new regulations are far more positive.

Hamilton explained that the new cars feature noticeably less downforce than in recent years, which has changed the driving experience considerably. Rather than seeing this as a negative, he described the new behavior as more engaging and entertaining. The car, he said, feels more lively, with characteristics such as oversteer and a tendency to slide more than before.

Despite being “snappy” at times, Hamilton believes the new car is easier to control when it reaches the limit. He noted that while the car moves around more, it is more predictable and easier to catch when it starts to slide, making it more enjoyable overall. For Hamilton, this has brought back an element of driving fun that he felt was missing in recent seasons.

That said, he was careful to remain realistic. Hamilton acknowledged that Ferrari still has work to do, just like every other team on the grid. Development will be ongoing, and improvements are necessary if the team hopes to fight consistently at the front.

Beyond the technical aspects, Hamilton also highlighted a positive shift in Ferrari’s mindset. He believes the team is building strong momentum off the track, fueled by a renewed sense of belief and determination. According to him, there is a clear winning mentality present throughout the organization, stronger than anything he has felt in a long time.

“I really feel that winning mentality in every single person within the team,” Hamilton concluded, describing the atmosphere as extremely positive. As Ferrari prepares for the new era of Formula 1, Hamilton’s comments suggest growing confidence that the Scuderia is moving in the right direction ahead of the 2026 season.