Lewis Hamilton told not to overpromise after Barcelona test as British legend S…read more
Lewis Hamilton has been urged to keep his expectations in check following an encouraging but inconclusive start to Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 preparations, as contrasting opinions emerge from the Barcelona pre-season shakedown.
The seven-time world champion is entering a new chapter of his illustrious career after his high-profile move to Ferrari, and early running of the SF-26 has naturally sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike. However, voices within the F1 paddock have warned against reading too much into the initial signs, stressing that the true competitive picture remains far from clear.
Ferrari’s running in Barcelona this week produced mixed signals, even from within the team itself. While the Italian outfit completed its programme without major drama, there was little consensus about where the car truly stands compared to its rivals. Charles Leclerc openly admitted uncertainty when speaking to the media, conceding that he had “no idea” how Ferrari’s pace stacked up against the rest of the field under the radically new 2026 regulations.
That uncertainty has prompted Sky F1 reporter Craig Slater to caution Hamilton against overpromising ahead of the new season. Slater suggested that despite the positive tone surrounding Ferrari’s early testing, both Hamilton and Leclerc still face a steep learning curve before they can realistically judge their competitiveness.
According to Slater, testing conditions, fuel loads, engine modes and undisclosed development programmes mean that even experienced drivers like Hamilton cannot yet draw firm conclusions. While the Briton’s confidence and optimism are understandable given Ferrari’s apparent progress, Slater emphasised that comfort within the pecking order will only come much later, once all teams begin to reveal their true performance levels.
Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello has placed Ferrari under an intense spotlight, with every comment and lap time scrutinised. Yet insiders continue to underline that the Scuderia’s real benchmark will only become apparent when the teams converge for official pre-season testing and, ultimately, the opening race of the 2026 campaign.
As discussion around testing intensifies, another prominent British figure has voiced his own frustration with how Formula 1 has handled the Barcelona shakedown. Former F1 driver and long-time commentator Martin Brundle has openly criticised the decision to conduct the test behind closed doors, denying access to both fans and large sections of the media.
The private nature of the test has been a controversial talking point throughout the week, particularly given that this is the first on-track appearance of the new generation of F1 cars under the 2026 rules. Brundle admitted he was unimpressed by the restrictions, describing the situation as deeply frustrating for those who follow the sport closely.
Speaking during Sky Sports’ testing coverage, Brundle made it clear that he struggled to understand why cars could be running on track without journalists or broadcasters being allowed to witness them in person. He noted that the secrecy surrounding the test felt unnecessary, especially at a time when fan engagement and transparency are supposed to be key priorities for Formula 1.
Brundle’s comments reflected a wider sentiment within the paddock, where many believe that the sport missed an opportunity to build excitement around the new era. With sweeping changes to aerodynamics, power units and sustainability targets, the first glimpse of the 2026 machinery was expected to be a major moment — one that, instead, unfolded largely out of sight.
While teams argue that closed-door testing allows them to work more freely and protect sensitive data, Brundle questioned whether such an approach truly benefits the sport. For a championship built on spectacle and storytelling, keeping the earliest stages of a new era hidden has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
As Ferrari continue their evaluation of the SF-26 and Hamilton settles into his new environment, patience remains the recurring theme. Early optimism is tempered by uncertainty, and strong opinions are already forming about how Formula 1 is choosing to present its future.
With more testing still to come, and competitive running yet to begin in earnest, both Hamilton’s ambitions and Brundle’s frustrations highlight the same underlying reality: for now, much about the 2026 season remains unknown — and that uncertainty is proving just as newsworthy as the laps being completed behind closed doors.
