Lewis Hamilton endures F1 testing ‘issue’ as Ferrari keep cards close to chest

Lewis Hamilton has been feeling confident ahead of his second campaign at Ferrari, but the Brit’s car may not be fully ready just yet

Ferrari have acknowledged there is an “issue” with Lewis Hamilton’s car but declined to elaborate on what it might be. Prior to their recent press conference, Ferrari unveiled a different car from what they are accustomed to.

Hamilton, 41, endured a disappointing and exhausting debut campaign, finishing 6th, behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who finished 5th. Ahead of his second campaign, the Brit has been more positive about the new Ferrari car in recent weeks.

But, during the most recent round of testing, the seven-time world champion only managed five laps before he was instructed to return to the garage in the Thursday morning session. Hamilton did return for the FIA’s practice start procedure and even overtook former Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

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Nevertheless, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has since confirmed not everything is perfect with their car. During Thursday’s press conference, Vasseur said: “We had a small issue that stopped the car for three hours.

“We are also preparing parts to go to Melbourne. On some items we are a bit short, but it went very well on the reliability.”

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Sky Sports F1 technical expert Sam Collins has suggested Ferrari’s decision regarding the wing of the car may have contributed to the testing being curtailed. He said: “Ferrari have discovered something quite clever in the regulations, I feel.

“It doesn’t specify that the wing has to be mounted the right way up when active aero is deployed. That means they can run the wing upside down as the car goes down the straight.

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“An upside down aircraft-wing confirmation should reduce aerodynamic drag, because it’s even generating a bit of lift. Then they’ve come up with a mechanism to allow it to rotate all the way around.

“That is something nobody else in F1 has tried yet. I think Ferrari just tried it very briefly right at the very start of the day and hoped nobody else would notice.”

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It remains unclear what decision Ferrari will make ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 6, the opening GP of the 2026 campaign. Following the let down of last season, Hamilton has acknowledged he is feeling more upbeat.

He said: “It’s definitely been a challenge and one that I’ve enjoyed for the most part of it. Having had a year now with the team, everything is much more settled, the ins and outs of the working relationship.

“I’m really, really excited about this season. I think everyone’s really showed up with really great positivity. Even at the end of the last year, the empathy within the team and the hunger.

“You could see as I travelled around the workshop to go and see people before Christmas, and then to see them show up this year, it’s a really positive feeling so far.”

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