Hamilton backed for eighth title amid Ferrari engine controversy and Red Bull reshuffle
Riccardo Patrese believes Lewis Hamilton can target an eighth world title with Ferrari in 2026, as the team faces a setback in its bid to ban a rival engine loophole. Separately, Red Bull has seen several senior staff depart in an ongoing internal reshuffle weeks before the season starts.
Lewis Hamilton has been tipped by a former champion to challenge for an eighth world title with Ferrari in 2026, as the Scuderia faces another setback in its push to ban a rival engine loophole. Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing continues a significant internal restructure with the departure of several senior staff members just weeks before the season opener.
Why it matters:
These developments highlight the intense off-track battles shaping the 2026 Formula 1 season. Hamilton's potential resurgence with Ferrari could redefine the driver championship narrative, while the ongoing technical and political war over engine regulations underscores the high-stakes engineering race. Red Bull's internal changes signal a period of strategic realignment for the reigning champions as they defend their titles.
The details:
- Hamilton's Title Prospects: Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese has publicly backed Lewis Hamilton to fight for an eighth world championship, stating the Briton must first believe he can win races again. This comes after a challenging debut season with Ferrari in 2025 where he failed to secure a podium.
- Engine Regulation Dispute: Ferrari, Audi, and Honda have reportedly failed in their latest attempt to have a specific engine design approach—believed to be used by Mercedes and Red Bull—outlawed. The contested 'trick' is related to manipulating the compression ratio within the regulations to generate more power.
- Red Bull Personnel Moves: As many as four senior administrative figures have left Red Bull's headquarters in Milton Keynes. The departures are understood to be part of a broader internal reshuffle aimed at streamlining the team's operations ahead of the new season.
What's next:
All eyes turn to the track as the 2026 season is set to begin in Melbourne in just one month. Hamilton and Ferrari will be looking to convert testing promise—topping the times in Barcelona—into race-winning performance. The unresolved engine saga may lead to further technical directives or protests during the season, keeping the political tension high. Red Bull's restructure will be tested under the pressure of opening races as they integrate new personnel and processes.