Hamilton confident Ferrari's 2026 car has his 'DNA' after tough debut season
After a difficult first year with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton believes his direct input into developing the 2026 car marks a turning point. He cites a personal reset and his 'DNA' in the new SF-26 as reasons for renewed confidence heading into the new regulatory era.
Lewis Hamilton is confident he can overcome a disappointing debut season with Ferrari, believing his input is now embedded in the team's 2026 car. After a challenging 2025 campaign where he finished sixth with no wins, the seven-time champion says a winter of personal and professional reset, combined with his development role on the new SF-26, has him in his "best place" in a long time heading into the new regulations.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's struggle to adapt in 2025 was one of the season's major storylines, raising questions about his high-profile move. His renewed confidence and direct involvement in the 2026 car's development signal a critical reset. For Ferrari, successfully integrating Hamilton's experience and feedback is essential to unlocking the car's full potential and mounting a serious title challenge under the new rules.
The details:
- Hamilton's 2025 season was marked by frustration, finishing 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and publicly criticizing his own performance at times.
- He attributed much of the struggle to inheriting the SF-25, a car developed before he joined the team, highlighting the lengthy adaptation process to a new environment.
- The off-season involved significant changes, including a new race engineer and parting ways with long-time manager Marc Hynes, which Hamilton describes as "rearranging things within my team."
- His primary focus has been on the 2026 car, stating he spent 8-10 months contributing to its development in the simulator. "A bit of my DNA is within it," he said, noting he feels "more connected to this one."
What's next:
With pre-season testing in Bahrain complete, the proof of this renewed partnership will come at the season opener. Hamilton maintains "100% faith" in Ferrari's long-term project, a key reason he signed a multi-year deal. The 2026 season represents not just a new technical era for F1, but a pivotal chapter in Hamilton's career as he aims to prove his move to Maranello can ultimately yield the success both parties envisioned.