Herbert Backs Alonso Over Hamilton as Ferrari Star Faces 2026 Crossroads

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has expressed doubt over Lewis Hamilton's ability to return to the top, suggesting he would back Fernando Alonso to excel in the new 2026 cars. Herbert's comments follow a challenging 2025 season for Hamilton at Ferrari, where he appeared "lost" and was outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, raising questions about the seven-time champion's mindset and adaptability heading into a critical regulatory reset.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in F1 history, but a dismal 2025 has put immense pressure on both driver and team to deliver in 2026. Herbert's perspective, shared by some fans, adds to the narrative that Hamilton may be past his peak, while a resurgent Alonso could capitalize on the new regulations. This debate highlights the psychological and technical challenges drivers face when adapting to new machinery, especially at the twilight of their careers.

The details:

• Hamilton's Struggles: Herbert noted that Hamilton looked "lost" at times, unable to "drive around the problem" as he had in the past. "He cannot understand what he needs to do to get around the problem he's got," Herbert said, contrasting him with Charles Leclerc.
• The Alonso Comparison: Herbert praised Alonso's ability to "squeeze that extra something out of" a difficult Aston Martin, a quality he felt Hamilton lacked in 2025. "I never saw that happen last year with Lewis, which I'm sort of shocked that we never ever saw that."
• A Different View: Damon Hill offered a counterpoint, suggesting Hamilton's fire isn't out, just dormant. "I still believe that if you gave him a whiff of victory, then I think that fire would reignite," Hill predicted.
• Public Frustration: Hamilton's 2025 season was marked by uncharacteristic public outbursts, including calling it his "worst ever" season and suggesting Ferrari "change driver" during a radio message.

What's next:

The 2026 season represents a do-or-die moment for the Hamilton-Ferrari partnership. With new chassis and engine regulations, the team is aiming to challenge for championships from the outset. Hamilton has already signaled a shift in mindset, declaring "the time for change is now." Whether a technical reset and a renewed mental approach can restore Hamilton to winning ways, or if Herbert's doubts are well-founded, will be one of the defining storylines of the new era.