Hamilton: “Intriguing challenge, it’s the biggest regulatory change I’ve ever experienced”

The beginning of a new era Ferrari’s 2026 season begins today, at Fiorano, with the first shakedown of the SF-26. It will be a crucial year for the entire Maranello environment, called to be ready for the change in technical regulations after a very difficult 2025. Most of all, however, this year’s special observer is Lewis Hamilton. The Englishman’s first year in red was a disaster. For the first time in his career the seven-time world champion ended a season without even a podium and the only real satisfaction was the victory in the China Sprint. Too little compared to expectations. Now Hamilton will have to demonstrate that he can immediately adapt to this new type of car, also to rekindle the enthusiasm among the fans of 12 months ago, when his arrival at Ferrari was greeted by incredible support. Hamilton’s words “2026 represents an enormous challenge for everyone – declared Hamilton on the sidelines of the Fiorano event – it is probably the biggest regulatory change I have experienced in the course of my career. When we enter a new era like this everything revolves around development, the ability to grow as a team and do so in the same direction. As a driver it was a particularly intriguing challenge to be able to be involved from the beginning in the development process of such a different car, working with the engineers to define a shared direction. It will be an extremely important year from a technical point of view, in which the driver’s role will be central in managing energy, new systems and contributing to understanding the car. It is a challenge that we face together, as a team, also counting on the extraordinary support of the fans, which means a lot to all of us.”