Hamilton Almost Joined Sauber; Ferrari Commits to 2026 Engine Innovation

Peter Sauber has revealed he was close to signing a young Lewis Hamilton for the 2007 season before a proposed loan deal from McLaren collapsed. Meanwhile, Ferrari is reportedly pressing ahead with an innovative steel alloy cylinder head design for its 2026 power unit after a recent breakthrough, signaling a bold strategy for the new regulations.

Why it matters:

These developments highlight the high-stakes nature of F1's driver market and the technological race for the 2026 regulations. Hamilton's near-miss with Sauber underscores how different his legendary career could have been, while Ferrari's aggressive engine approach shows their intent to return to the front of the grid under the new rules.

The details:

• Hamilton's Sauber Near-Miss: Former team boss Peter Sauber claims he was in advanced talks to sign Lewis Hamilton for 2007. The deal, proposed as a two-year loan from McLaren, was ultimately rejected by the Woking-based team. Hamilton went on to debut with McLaren that same year, narrowly missing the world championship in his rookie season.
• Ferrari's 2026 Engine Commitment: Ferrari has reportedly reversed its decision to abandon steel alloy cylinder heads for its 2026 power unit. After initial concerns over reliability, a recent breakthrough has convinced the Maranello outfit to commit to the 'revolutionary' design for Project 678, their car for the new engine and aerodynamic regulations.
• Mercedes W17 Launch: Mercedes has announced it will launch its 2026 challenger, the W17, on January 22. The team is under pressure to perform well under the new regulations, which introduce 50% electrification and active aerodynamics, after finishing second in the 2025 constructors' championship.
• Cadillac's Reserve Driver: The new Cadillac F1 team has confirmed Zhou Guanyu as its reserve driver for the 2026 season. The move comes shortly after Zhou announced his departure from Ferrari, where he was a test and reserve driver, following three seasons racing for Sauber.
• Vettel on Career Decline: Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has reflected on the decline in performance during his final years in F1. The German, who retired in 2022, won only one race after his 2018 title battle with Lewis Hamilton.

What's next:

The F1 world now turns its attention to the winter shutdown and the intense preparations for the 2026 season. Ferrari's engine commitment will be a major talking point, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if their innovation translates to on-track performance. The launch season will begin with Mercedes on January 22, setting the stage for a fascinating new era in Formula 1.