Button: New F1 rules will bring Hamilton 'back to his best' at Ferrari

Former teammate Jenson Button believes the sweeping 2026 technical regulations offer Lewis Hamilton the perfect opportunity to reset and return to peak form with Ferrari, following a challenging debut season with the Scuderia. Button suggests Hamilton will have crucial input into the new car's design, a factor missing from his rushed 2025 integration, which could unlock the synergy needed to fight at the front again.

Why it matters:

Hamilton’s difficult first year at Ferrari, where he was consistently outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, raised questions about his ability to adapt and challenge for an eighth title. A major regulatory reset represents a clean slate not just for the car, but for Hamilton’s influence within the team. His successful resurgence would re-ignite a major championship narrative and fulfill the long-awaited potential of the sport's most iconic driver joining its most historic team.

The details:

• A Season of Struggle: Hamilton's 2025 season ended with him 86 points behind Leclerc, highlighting a significant performance gap despite having the same machinery. Button described watching his former teammate's visible frustration as "tough," noting you could "see the pain" of his struggles.
• The Teammate's Perspective: Button's analysis carries unique weight due to his experience as Hamilton's teammate at McLaren from 2010-2012. He stated, "I understand how good he is," which underscores his belief that Hamilton's 2025 form was not indicative of his true capability.
• The 2026 Reset: The new aerodynamic and power unit regulations fundamentally change car design philosophy. Button identifies this as the key catalyst, arguing it will allow Hamilton to help shape the car from the ground up: "He's gonna have input in how the car is designed... and have confidence in him taking it in a direction that works for him."
• Regaining Influence: Unlike his arrival in 2025, which was a late adaptation to an existing car concept, the 2026 project allows Hamilton to provide feedback that influences the core design around his driving style, particularly in areas like braking and corner entry.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari's development progress throughout 2025 and the launch of its 2026 challenger. The central question is whether the team can translate Hamilton's feedback into a car that suits him while also remaining competitive. If successful, the combination of a motivated seven-time champion, a top-tier teammate in Leclerc, and a new regulatory era could propel Ferrari back into consistent championship contention, delivering the spectacle fans and pundits like Button are hoping to see.