The early evidence from nine days of testing in Barcelona and Bahrain suggests that Ferrari is on the rise, with a positive overall performance from the team. While there were some minor issues during testing, such as gremlins on the morning of the penultimate day in Bahrain, the team was able to log plenty of useful miles and showcase its reliability.
The rocket practice starts made by the red cars at the end of sessions sent a clear message that Ferrari doesn't need to be on pole to lead at the first corner. This confidence is particularly notable given the criticism Ferrari faced last year after underperforming following its full development focus shift to 2026. However, team boss Fred Vasseur is maintaining a cautious approach for now.
Vasseur noted that it's difficult to have a clear picture of performance and that the relative performance in Melbourne will not be the picture at the end of the season. Instead, he emphasized the importance of the team's ability to develop and bring parts quickly on track. This highlights the significant role that development plays in determining the outcome of the season.
While Hamilton is eager for success, Leclerc is hungry for his first World Championship title. The 28-year-old driver has been working hard to match the level of access contemporary Lando Norris had last year. Ferrari's resurgence will undoubtedly be linked to Leclerc's search for success and Hamilton's quest for redemption after a difficult 2025 season.
Hamilton has expressed some reservations about the new regulations, but he believes that adapting to what's in front of him is key. He notes that having a competitive package makes it easier to adapt and that he's excited to see how the team will perform this season.
The SF-26 car has been a major focus for Hamilton, who has had significant input into its development. The driver believes that the new cars are more fun to drive and offer more opportunities for correction, making them easier to control. He's also connected to the car on a personal level, having spent eight months developing it on the simulator.
Hamilton's positivity about the season is evident, with him expressing confidence in his team and faith in their capabilities. The driver believes that there have been significant improvements made by the team since last year and is excited for the future.
The signs are that this will be an altogether better season for both Hamilton and Ferrari. With a strong foundation in place, the team is well-positioned to challenge for success in 2026. However, it's still early days, and much can happen between now and the start of the season.
Ultimately, Ferrari's resurgence has significant implications for the 2026 season. As one of the top teams, their performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With a strong driver lineup and a competitive car, they have the potential to make a real challenge for the title.
A Ferrari resurgence could have significant implications for the 2026 season.
