Author of a clear resurgence this season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton refuses to attribute his progress solely to the change in technical regulations. The Briton believes that the work done behind the scenes since his arrival in Maranello plays a much more important role.
Read more The beginning of the end or the uncomfortable question: Is Adrian Newey in decline?
Lewis Hamilton is experiencing a 2026 season very different from his first year under the colors of Ferrari.
After a particularly difficult 2025 campaign, during which he did not achieve any podiums in Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion has returned to the forefront this year.
A revival that some explain notably by the arrival of the new technical regulations and the abandonment of ground effect cars used between 2022 and 2025.
These cars indeed required an approach that corresponded less to the style historically favored by Hamilton. The Briton likes to brake late and hard, before quickly rotating his car to favor a more “V”-shaped trajectory.
The old ground effect cars favored a more rounded trajectory, with earlier braking and more speed maintained through the corner.
But Hamilton refuses to see the regulation change as the main explanation for his return to the forefront.
Hamilton emphasizes his adaptability
The Ferrari driver acknowledges having been less comfortable with the previous generation of cars, but recalls that he had nevertheless managed to achieve significant results.
“People talk about my driving style not working with the previous car and, of course, I was less comfortable with that car”, explains Lewis Hamilton.
“But I still won races and was still able to deliver very strong performances, like at Silverstone in 2024 for example.”
For Hamilton, this victory is precisely proof that a driver must be able to modify his approach depending on the car he has.
“I think if your driving style doesn’t suit a generation of cars, you don’t win. It’s simply about being able to adapt.”
Read more Sergio Pérez calls on Cadillac to review its development methods
The Briton especially believes that his difficulties in 2025 stemmed from several characteristics of the Ferrari and settings that did not allow him to fully exploit his qualities.
“Last year, there were many elements that simply didn’t work for me with the setups we had here, and it took a long time to change those things.”
Significant work done behind the scenes at Ferrari
Since his arrival in Maranello, Hamilton has pushed Ferrari to modify several elements of its operation and its car.
Among the changes are notably the brakes. Used to Carbon Industrie discs during his years at Mercedes, Hamilton had encountered difficulties with the feel provided by the equipment traditionally used by Ferrari.
Under the Briton’s impetus and with the support of Frédéric Vasseur, the Scuderia has gradually made several modifications aimed at better meeting his needs.
“We are starting to see these things change and I am really grateful for that”, emphasizes Hamilton.
The seven-time world champion even considers this influence on Ferrari’s development as an essential part of the mission he set for himself when joining the Italian team.
Hamilton wants to put his 20 years of experience at Ferrari’s service
Beyond his own performances, Hamilton wants to use the experience accumulated since his Formula 1 debut in 2007 to help Ferrari progress as a whole.
“My goal in joining the team was to come in, observe, and see if I could bring my 20 years of experience and my seven championships to an already excellent organization, to help it take the next step.”
A job that therefore is not limited to Grand Prix weekends.
“I leave nothing to chance. I explained to you last year how much I was working behind the scenes to try to help the team find its way and progress. Finally, we are starting to see the first step.”
Hamilton does not deny that the new cars may better suit his preferences. But in his eyes, his return to the forefront in 2026 is mainly explained by his adaptability and by the changes gradually implemented at Ferrari after a particularly difficult first season.
Read more Pascal Wehrlein champion after an intense final, the last victory for DS