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Lewis Hamilton shocks F1 with stunning Barcelona lap as Ferrari faces tough criticism

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
January 31, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Lewis Hamilton shocks F1 with stunning Barcelona lap as Ferrari faces tough criticism

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari have ignited a fierce debate in the Formula 1 community following the recent Barcelona shakedown, where Hamilton stunned the competition with an impressive unofficial P1 time. However, the celebrations may be short-lived as concerns emerge regarding the performance of the Ferrari SF-26, which some insiders describe as a “handful” on the track.

Sky F1 presenter Craig Slater has revealed that sources from rival teams are casting doubt on Ferrari’s capabilities, suggesting that while they clocked an impressive 1:16.348—edging out teammate George Russell’s previous benchmark—they may still lag behind the likes of Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull in the early rankings for the 2026 season. In an unexpected twist, former McLaren performance engineer Bernie Collins has come to Ferrari’s defense, arguing that Hamilton’s positive feedback could signal a turning tide for the storied team.

As the dust settles from the Barcelona test, Hamilton’s performance has certainly turned heads. He closed the five-day event with the fastest lap, marking a triumphant end to a week filled with anticipation. But the question lingers: Does this mean Ferrari is back in the game, or are they merely putting on a brave face?

Insiders like Slater are taking a cautious approach, asserting that the top four teams—Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, and, surprisingly, Ferrari—are still in a tight race. However, whispers of instability surrounding the SF-26 spark concern. Reports suggest that multiple sources have indicated the car may be difficult to handle, casting a shadow over Ferrari’s pre-season hopes. “A lot of people are saying the Ferrari looks quite a handful, actually,” Slater noted, raising eyebrows about the team’s potential.

Collins, while acknowledging the challenges ahead for Ferrari, points to Hamilton’s upbeat remarks as a beacon of hope. He described the week as “hugely enjoyable” for the seven-time champion, emphasizing a newfound “winning mentality” within the Ferrari camp that could propel them forward. “I think the Ferrari topping it, and just even how positive Lewis has come out, is a good sign for that,” Collins asserted, though he remains skeptical of their immediate prospects against the formidable Mercedes.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. Slater and fellow Sky F1 commentator Ted Kravitz are already piecing together the pecking order for the upcoming season, with Mercedes firmly at the forefront, followed closely by McLaren and Red Bull. As for Ferrari, while Hamilton’s sensational lap time speaks volumes, the underlying issues could prove detrimental as the season unfolds.

The implications of this testing phase will become clearer at the upcoming Bahrain test sessions scheduled for February 11-13 and again from February 18-20. Fans and teams alike will be eager to see if Ferrari can translate their potential into a competitive edge—or if they will be left trailing behind their rivals once more.

With the F1 world on the edge of its seat, the stakes have never been higher. Will Hamilton’s dazzling performance mark a new chapter for Ferrari, or will the whispers of concern about the SF-26 become a harsh reality? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the drama of Formula 1 is only just heating up!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-mclaren-f1-championship2025-seasonaf-corse-ferrarigetspeed-mercedesLewis Hamilton
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