Hamilton ‘massively excited’ for new beginnings with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is entering his next chapter with Ferrari ’s – and Formula 1’s new era – with renewed energy and unmistakable anticipation.

Fresh from the launch of the Scuderia’s 2026 contender on Friday at Fiorano, Hamilton completed his first shakedown run at the wheel of the Italian outfit’s new-generation car.

It was a symbolic moment, but also an emotional one, as the seven-time world champion reflected on both the scale of Ferrari’s effort and his own mindset heading into a transformative season.

For Hamilton, simply being embedded at Maranello has already left a deep impression.

Always a Special Moment

“Just waking up here at Ferrari, it’s very, very special,” he told reporters.

“Obviously I’ve been here the past week or so, and seeing the car coming together, also just knowing how hard everyone works and you get to see everyone at their desks every week that I’m here.

“[Seeing] all the work we’ve been doing on the simulator and just the building blocks that you put in place, to then see a car come together, it is the most exciting part of the year when you see all these pieces come out of different departments and eventually it all fits together.

“And you’re one of only two that gets to go out and drive it – it’s pretty remarkable, and I’m so grateful for all the hard work everyone’s put into it.”

The first drive out of the garage brought with it a sensory reminder of what makes Ferrari unique — and why this chapter feels different.

“It’s just so exciting when they fire the car up and you get the new vibration of the car through your body, and then they open up the door and you end up going down to Turn 1 where you can see the Tifosi,” he added.

“That’s something that I will never get used to, and something that I’ll never be able to forget.

“But today’s really about reconnecting with the team, reconnecting with that passion of all the people that follow this team.

“It’s just a day that reignites you. It really also reminds me of why I love doing what I do and why I love this sport.”

‘Massively excited’ For a Fresh Start

Hamilton’s focus now turns to the Barcelona shakedown, followed by pre-season testing in Bahrain and the season opener in Australia on March 6–8. But it’s his mindset, rather than lap times, that signals a shift.

“If you look at my interviews from all the other years, I would never say that I get excited, but I’m massively excited and I think that’s okay to say that,” the 41-year-old conceded. “I’m excited for new beginnings.

“It’s been such a focus on resetting, having a good break – even though it’s been the shortest one we’ve ever had, it was just what was needed – and I think just learning new patterns and undoing patterns, and removing things that don’t serve me or bring the right energy, making sure you’re just showing up in the right way.

• Read also: Ferrari conducts SF-26 shakedown run at Fiorano

“So I’m excited about the first test – obviously today you don’t get to push it, but it feels cool at Ferrari. But obviously next week we’ll start to try and stretch the legs and see what this new generation of car is going to bring to all of this.

“And then it’s kind of knowing what other people have, what cars, what tricks that other people may or may not have, and what concepts and all those sort of things, and I think for us just keeping our heads down and focusing on our job.

“The team feels refreshed, and [there’s been] so much work from so many different departments here – it’s awesome to see, so we’re going to take this energy and just take it one day at a time.”

For Hamilton, lapping Fiorano on Friday was not about performance – it was about purpose. And as Formula 1 prepares for its biggest technical reset in years, the Briton sounds more ready than ever for what lies ahead.

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