Lewis Hamilton’s Stunning Ferrari Debut: First Lap in SF-26 Sparks Championship Hype – Buxton Calls It “Pure Dominance”

Maranello, Italy — Lewis Hamilton completed his maiden lap in Ferrari’s 2026 challenger, the SF-26, during a private test session at Fiorano, and the footage has sent shockwaves through Formula 1. Veteran commentator and analyst Will Buxton, watching live, described the seven-time world champion’s integration as seamless and potentially transformative, fueling immediate speculation that Ferrari may have built the car to finally deliver Hamilton his eighth title.

Hamilton, who joined Ferrari from Mercedes ahead of the 2026 season under new technical regulations, emerged from the scarlet SF-26 cockpit with a broad smile. The 41-year-old Briton completed a single installation lap followed by a full push lap, showcasing remarkable confidence in a car he had never driven before. Buxton, providing real-time analysis for Sky Sports F1, was visibly stunned by the car’s composure.

“What stood out immediately was the stability through high-speed corners and the way the SF-26 carries momentum without losing balance,” Buxton said. “Lewis looked like he’d been driving this car for years. The transition is effortless—this isn’t adaptation; this is pure dominance waiting to happen.” He highlighted the SF-26’s refined aerodynamics, improved downforce package, and predictable handling, all of which aligned perfectly with Hamilton’s smooth, precise driving style.

Ferrari engineers have spent the off-season focusing on mechanical grip, tire management, and aerodynamic efficiency to comply with the 2026 power unit and chassis rules. Early indications suggest the team has addressed long-standing weaknesses in corner-exit traction and straight-line speed that plagued previous SF models. Hamilton’s feedback post-lap was reportedly positive: the car felt “alive” and “responsive,” with no major setup issues during the short run.

The test was limited to system checks and baseline data collection, but the visible poise of the SF-26 under Hamilton’s control has ignited excitement among tifosi and neutral observers alike. Buxton noted the immediate chemistry between driver and team: “The radio comms were calm, precise—classic Hamilton. The engineers were feeding him exactly what he needed, and he was giving them gold in return.”

This debut comes amid high expectations for Ferrari’s resurgence. The team finished second in the 2025 constructors’ standings but has not won a drivers’ title since 2007. Hamilton’s arrival, paired with Charles Leclerc, creates one of the strongest line-ups on the grid. If the SF-26 maintains this early promise, Ferrari could challenge Red Bull and McLaren for supremacy in the new era.

The session also highlighted Hamilton’s enduring motivation. At 41, he remains one of the fittest and most focused drivers in F1 history. Observers noted his meticulous pre-lap preparation and the way he methodically built speed, respecting the new car while extracting maximum performance from the outset.

As Formula 1 heads into pre-season testing in Bahrain next month, all eyes will be on Ferrari’s progress. Buxton concluded his commentary with a bold prediction: “If this lap is anything to go by, Lewis and Ferrari are going to be very, very hard to beat in 2026.”

Fans and pundits are already calling it the start of a new dynasty. With the SF-26 showing no teething problems and Hamilton looking instantly at home, the 2026 season suddenly feels wide open—and dangerously exciting.