Lewis Hamilton runs into early Ferrari issue after Bahrain testing spin

Sakhir, Bahrain – Ferrari’s newest recruit Lewis Hamilton’s first public laps in scarlet trim hit an immediate snag on the opening morning of Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, providing an early reminder that even seven-time world champions must re-learn their machinery.

Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc had divided the day’s running as the Maranello squad began the critical task of correlating the aerodynamic upgrades and an evolved power-unit package that will contest the 2026 campaign. After a reliable shakedown at Barcelona last week, the desert heat quickly exposed vulnerabilities: a Turn 1 lock-up sent Hamilton spinning through 180 degrees, the car ending up pointing the wrong way but escaping damage.

Reporting from the pit wall, trackside observer Kemal Sengul noted that ambient temperatures were already punishing braking systems up and down the grid. “Drivers are struggling with braking due to the extremely hot weather,” Sengul said, moments after Hamilton’s excursion. ESPN’s Laurence Edmondson added: “He just lost the rear on turning into the corner… no damage done to the car, and he continued on his way.”

The Briton’s drama was not an isolated incident. Within minutes, Mercedes’ George Russell locked up at Turn 10, while Hamilton’s former rival Carlos Sainz experienced a similar moment at the same heavy-braking complex. Edmondson pointed to the corner’s notoriety, amplified by current-generation energy-recovery demands: “They work hard to recharge batteries and keep revs high mid-corner to avoid turbo lag on exit.”

Hamilton, who flew back from Sunday’s Super Bowl in California to be in Bahrain by Tuesday, spent the remainder of the morning deep in conversation with engineers before returning to the garage. Team principal Fred Vasseur, determined to erase the disappointment of last season, watched on as data screens flickered with brake temperatures and energy-deployment maps.

Although headline lap times remain meaningless amid unknown fuel loads and engine modes, the early hiccup underlines Ferrari’s admission that “wildcard” updates destined for 2026 may produce initial setbacks before the set-up sweet-spot is found. Hamilton has nevertheless logged extra simulator hours—an activity he famously dislikes—to accelerate acclimatisation to the new regulations.

Former champion Nigel Mansell reiterated his optimism that Hamilton could challenge for podiums once the revised technical rules arrive, while McLaren boss Andrea Stella used the session to reiterate wider concerns about tyre allocations under F1’s sustainability targets for 2026.

With testing still in its infancy, Hamilton’s spin is likely to be filed under the inevitable learning curve of a fresh partnership rather than any terminal flaw. The afternoon will offer cooler asphalt and, Ferrari hopes, cleaner laps as the quest for Australia-ready performance intensifies.