Jenson Button backs Lewis Hamilton to return to best with Ferrari in 2026

Jenson Button believes Lewis Hamilton will return to his championship-winning form with Ferrari in 2026, citing the new technical regulations and Hamilton's growing influence over the car's development as key factors. The seven-time champion endured a difficult first season with the Scuderia in 2025, finishing 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and visibly struggling with the car's performance.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in modern F1, carrying the weight of immense expectation for both the driver and the team. His struggle to adapt in 2025 raised questions about whether the sport's most successful driver could ever truly challenge for an eighth title again. Button's insight, based on their time as teammates, highlights that the upcoming regulatory reset in 2026 is seen as a critical fresh start that could unlock Hamilton's potential within the Italian team.

The details:

• Hamilton's 2025 season with Ferrari was marked by inconsistency, with the car showing sporadic competitiveness that Leclerc was often better able to capitalize on for points.
• Jenson Button, Hamilton's McLaren teammate from 2010-2012, described watching Hamilton's struggles as "tough," noting the visible pain and frustration it caused the champion.
• Button emphasizes that Hamilton's direct input into the design philosophy of the 2026 Ferrari car will be a major advantage, giving him confidence in a machine built to suit his driving style.
• The new technical regulations for 2026 represent a clean slate for all teams, theoretically reducing the performance gaps established under the current rules and offering Ferrari a prime opportunity to leap forward.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari's development progress throughout 2025 as they build their 2026 challenger. Hamilton's integration into the team and his technical feedback will be scrutinized as indicators of their potential. If Ferrari can provide a competitive and drivable car under the new rules, the stage could be set for a dramatic resurgence of Lewis Hamilton, fulfilling the long-awaited dream of a championship challenge in red.