Abu Dhabi GP: Hamilton's Crucial Launchpad for 2026 Season

Lewis Hamilton faces his final opportunity at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to salvage a disappointing first season with Ferrari. Despite high expectations for his celebrated union with the Scuderia, Hamilton has struggled to find form, lagging behind teammate Charles Leclerc and failing to secure a single podium finish this year.

Why it matters:

After a challenging debut season at Ferrari, a strong performance in Abu Dhabi is critical for Hamilton to regain confidence and reset expectations for the upcoming 2026 season. His struggles this year, particularly with the current ground-effect cars, highlight the urgent need for a turnaround as he approaches a pivotal stage in his career, with retirement becoming a more serious consideration if his performance decline continues.

The Details:

• Underperformance: Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish in 23 races, a stark contrast to his teammate Charles Leclerc, who has achieved seven podiums and a surprise pole position in Hungary.
• Attitude Shift: Hamilton has displayed a public demeanor indicating frustration and eagerness for the season to conclude, suggesting a desire to recharge and start fresh in 2026.
• Car Compatibility: He has notably struggled with the current generation of ground-effect cars, while historically excelling in flat-floor designs—a format expected to return in 2026 with changes to Venturi tunnels.
• Historical Precedent: Last year, in his final race with Mercedes at Abu Dhabi, Hamilton staged an impressive comeback from sixteenth to fourth. He aims to replicate this momentum for his Ferrari tenure, which is set to continue for at least another season.
• Ferrari's Stance: Team Principal Fred Vasseur downplayed the impact of pausing 2025 car development on Hamilton's focus, stating that driver emotions are natural given recent on-track difficulties.

What's next:

Finishing the season on a high note in Abu Dhabi is crucial for Hamilton to build confidence ahead of 2026, a year where he must return to the front of the grid. A strong showing could provide a much-needed psychological boost and prevent further speculation about his future, especially with the prospect of retirement looming larger if his performance doesn't improve next season.