Lewis Hamilton Expresses Disappointment for F1 2026 Season
Lewis Hamilton has expressed deep pessimism about the upcoming F1 2026 season with Ferrari, stating he's "not looking forward" to it after calling the current season his "worst ever." His disheartened comments, following a challenging Las Vegas Grand Prix, raise concerns for Ferrari, who are relying on his experience and new regulations to return to championship contention. This outlook puts pressure on both Hamilton and the team to find a breakthrough.
Lewis Hamilton, surprisingly, announced that he is “not looking forward” to the upcoming F1 2026 campaign with Ferrari. This season has been viewed as a crucial opportunity for Hamilton to revitalize his career with Ferrari, yet the seven-time world champion expressed dread for what's to come, calling the current season his “worst ever” in Formula 1 despite recovering to score points in Las Vegas.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's pessimistic outlook for the 2026 season, especially after joining Ferrari, raises significant concerns. His comments, made in the heat of the moment, could be unsettling for Ferrari, who are investing heavily in new chassis and engine regulations for 2026. A strong performance from a high-profile driver like Hamilton is essential for Ferrari's ambitions to challenge for championships and return to the pinnacle of F1.
The Details:
- Las Vegas Performance: Hamilton qualified a career-low P20 in wet conditions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. He recovered to finish P8 after two McLaren drivers were disqualified, securing four crucial points.
- Post-Race Comments: Despite the points finish, Hamilton told Sky F1 he felt “terrible” and that 2025 has “been the worst season ever.”
- 2026 Outlook: Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Hamilton extended his deflated attitude to the future, stating, “I’m eager for it to end, I’m looking forward to it ending. I’m not looking forward to the next one.” When asked if he meant the next race, he clarified, “Next season.”
- Impact on Ferrari: While Hamilton is known for openly expressing his emotions, his negative remarks about the 2026 season are likely unwelcome news for Ferrari, who are banking on significant performance improvements under the new regulations.
- Constructors' Standings: Ferrari's current position at P4 in the Constructors' Championship, 13 points behind Red Bull and 53 behind Mercedes, underscores the pressure for future improvements. Hamilton's struggle contributes to this gap, leaving him 74 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc in the Drivers' standings.
- Loss of Hope: Hamilton's disheartening statement, “Tried everything, and it’s not working,” suggests a profound sense of frustration and a lack of belief in immediate improvement, casting a shadow over his future prospects with Ferrari.
What's next:
Hamilton's comments highlight the immense pressure on Ferrari to deliver a competitive car for the 2026 season. Should his pessimistic outlook persist, it could significantly impact team morale and his integration into the Scuderia. All eyes will be on Ferrari's development progress and Hamilton's performance in the upcoming races to see if this sentiment can be reversed.