F1 CEO says Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are feeling ‘confident’ after testing conversation

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Ferrari impressed everybody in the F1 paddock with the new innovations they brought to pre-season testing in Bahrain, leading Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to emit a certain kind of optimism when speaking to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Charles Leclerc rounded out pre-season testing for the 2026 F1 season at the top of the time sheets, clocking in a time that was nearly a second behind his closest rival.

Overall, Ferrari had a very impressive two weeks’ worth of testing in Bahrain, with Leclerc highlighting his satisfaction with the programme that the Scuderia had planned during an interview following the conclusion of week one.

On the other side of the garage, Lewis Hamilton finished week two with the sixth-fastest time of the lot, and the seven-time world champion has showcased a new-look demeanour to the one we saw him bow out of the 2025 term with.

• READ MORE: Fred Vasseur has changed Ferrari’s Australian Grand Prix objective after impressive testing

Ferrari set the fastest overall lap time at both pre-season tests for the first time since 2019!

What do you believe is possible for Ferrari in 2026?

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Stefano Domenicali says Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
are feeling ‘confident’ after strong Bahrain F1 test

During an interview with Sky Sports Italy inside the Bahrain paddock, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali revealed the sentiments he had received from both Hamilton and Leclerc ahead of the new season.

He said, “What we’ve seen in these first few days certainly seems to indicate a much more competitive starting point than last year.

“As an Italian, a fan, a former Ferrari man, one of their own, we need it, and we all hope for it, but I think I see the right level of concentration. Talking to Charles and Lewis, they are confident, as we should be.

“I repeat, there will be a journey of 24 races where the evolution compared to the past will be what is being found in the wind tunnel.

“What the drivers are finding in terms of drivability, together with the engineers, will lead us to a championship where those who remain focused without losing heart, if there is a problem at the beginning, will be successful.”

The Monegasque driver looks to be the leading driver within the Maranello stable at this moment in time.

Leclerc has looked much ‘happier’ than Hamilton at the wheel of the SF-26 so far, with the British icon reportedly still looking to find himself comfortable with every facet of Italian machinery.

The upcoming campaign is a rather decisive one for the future of the current Maranello residents, with Fred Vasseur’s job hinging on Ferrari ending their title drought this year.

The Scuderia are still searching for their first championship since 2008, and Leclerc is also on the hunt for his maiden world title in the sport altogether.

• READ MORE: Jolyon Palmer saw Charles Leclerc look ‘on the absolute limit’ on the fastest lap of F1 testing

Lewis Hamilton needs to keep his confidence high following a disappointing end to last season

One of the main factors that led to Lewis Hamilton’s disappointing maiden campaign in red was the lack of confidence he had while driving his first F1 car from the Prancing Horse.

While Leclerc brought home a second-place finish at his home Grand Prix in Monaco, the seven-time world champion could only muster fifth place, with Hamilton reportedly suffering from a ‘chronic lack of confidence’ at high speeds in the SF-25.

However, now that the 41-year-old has had 12 months to give his two cents in the development of Ferrari’s 2026 challenger, it bodes well that he is already feeling confident about his own chances.