Ferrari 'more united than ever' as Hamilton drives new F1 car after troubled 2025

FIORANO MODENESE, Italy (AP) — Team principal Fred Vasseur says Ferrari is “more united than ever” as Lewis Hamilton test drove the car designed to bring the Italian giant back to the front of the Formula 1 field following a troubled 2025.

Hamilton was at the wheel as the SF-26 took to Ferrari's Fiorano test track on a cool, damp winter's day for brief “shakedown” runs Friday ahead of the start of official F1 preseason testing next week in Spain.

One of the biggest regulation changes in F1 history could offer Ferrari the chance to move on from a difficult 2025 season in which Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc failed to win a single Grand Prix. In his debut season with Ferrari, seven-time champion Hamilton didn't even make a Grand Prix podium — a first for his career — though he did win a sprint race.

“This car is the result of a tremendous team effort and represents the start of a completely new journey, built around a different set of rules that inevitably brings a number of unknowns,” Vasseur said. “The team is aligned and more united than ever as we look ahead to the season.”

Ferrari's lack of success in 2025 had given rise to speculation over Vasseur's place as team principal before he was handed a contract extension in July with emphatic backing from Ferrari management.

Hamilton said it's been “a particularly fascinating challenge” to develop the SF-26, especially as the rules have changed to mandate smaller, lighter cars with a crucial role for electrical power.

“The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career," Hamilton said Friday. "When a new era begins everything revolves around development, growth as a team, and moving forward in the same direction.”

The first race of the new season is the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Britain's Lewis Hamilton steers his Ferrari Formula One SF-26 at the Ferrari private test track, in Fiorano Modenese, Italy, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Britain's Lewis Hamilton steers his Ferrari Formula One SF-26 at the Ferrari private test track, in Fiorano Modenese, Italy, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Britain's Lewis Hamilton steers his Ferrari Formula One SF-26 at the Ferrari private test track, in Fiorano Modenese, Italy, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Britain's Lewis Hamilton steers his Ferrari Formula One SF-26 at the Ferrari private test track, in Fiorano Modenese, Italy, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Britain's Lewis Hamilton steers his Ferrari Formula One SF-26 at the Ferrari private test track, in Fiorano Modenese, Italy, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 17, 2026--

Ohana Development, a leading UAE real estate developer renowned for its luxury projects, has recorded USD 1.63 billion in sales within 72 hours for Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, a gated waterfront community located along Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi, setting a new sales record in the emirate’s real estate market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260317595867/en/

Investors queued at the sales launch, reflecting the strong demand for the project. Of the investors, 35% are Emiratis, while 65% are expatriates and international buyers. In response to this significant interest, Ohana Development is expected to release additional inventory from the project soon.

In his comments, Husein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, said: "We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the UAE government and its visionary leadership for fostering a stable and forward-looking investment environment. This strong foundation continues to strengthen confidence among investors and developers, supporting the resilience and growth of Abu Dhabi’s thriving real estate sector, despite any evolving circumstances.”

“The strong response to Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, and the sales record in just 72 hours, reflects the continued trust from investors locally and internationally, as well as the appeal of the project’s unique offering in the emirate,” added Husein.

The project spans 1.67 million square metres, with more than 55% of the masterplan dedicated to landscaped gardens and green spaces. Designed around sport and active living, Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana will feature integrated training and recovery facilities, alongside a waterfront promenade with retail, dining and lifestyle destinations. The community will also include a marina sports club with water sports activities, as well as a range of resort-style amenities, including fitness facilities and pools.

For more information on the project and other developments, please visit: https://www.ohana.ae/

Source:AETOSWire

Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana (Photo: AETOSWire)