Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton may be projecting calm confidence, but behind the scenes, experts are urging caution as expectations around his Ferrari future begin to rise.

After an encouraging first week of pre-season testing, the message from insiders is clear: positivity is fine — hype is dangerous.

Ferrari’s Testing: Solid, But Hard to Read

Ferrari completed a productive five-day shakedown in Barcelona, running the maximum three days allowed. The team logged over 400 laps, second only to Mercedes’ 500, and avoided any major reliability concerns.

Hamilton drove in mixed conditions early in the week, shared running with Charles Leclerc on Thursday—where he suffered a minor spin—and wrapped up Ferrari’s program on Friday.

The new SF-26 has looked quick, though lap times remain largely meaningless at this stage, with teams prioritizing mileage, data collection, and consistency.

Hamilton himself noted that Ferrari appear better prepared than during the 2025 pre-season, when he was still adjusting to life in Maranello.

Sky Sports Warning: “This Is Not the Time”

However, speaking on Sky Sports F1, reporter Craig Slater urged restraint.

“They’re maybe the hardest team to get a read on,” Slater explained.
“One significant individual who’s been in Barcelona told me Ferrari were the one team they couldn’t really score out of ten.”

According to Slater, even rival team principals remain unsure whether Ferrari can be genuine title challengers.

“There’s no point overpromising,” he added.
“This isn’t the time to get ahead of yourself. There’s work to be done, and Lewis is clearly in that phase.”

Hamilton’s Bigger Challenge: Himself

While a stronger Ferrari is an encouraging sign, Hamilton knows the spotlight will soon turn inward.

His 2025 season was one of the toughest of his career:

• No grand prix podiums

• Struggles in qualifying

• Finished 86 points behind Leclerc, who scored seven podiums in the same car

It marked Hamilton’s heaviest-ever defeat to a team-mate.

With new regulations set to phase out the ground-effect era—during which Hamilton claimed just two wins across four seasons (2022–2025)—there’s cautious hope the next generation of cars will better suit his driving style.

Cautious Optimism, Not Celebration

For now, Ferrari look stable. Hamilton looks focused.
But no one inside the paddock is ready to make bold claims.

As Slater summed it up:
“They could be there. Let’s see.”

And for a driver chasing an unprecedented eighth world title, patience may be just as important as speed.