Ross Brawn Expects 'Vintage' Lewis Hamilton to Emerge at Ferrari in 2026

Ross Brawn, the architect behind Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari dominance and Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes era, believes a "vintage" version of the seven-time champion can still emerge in 2026. This optimism comes as Ferrari prepares to launch its new car, with Hamilton aiming to bounce back after a disappointing debut season with the Scuderia where he failed to secure a podium.

Why it matters:

Ferrari is desperate to end a championship drought that has now extended beyond 17 years. With radical new technical regulations resetting the competitive landscape in 2026, the pressure is on Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and the team to deliver a car capable of fighting at the front. If Ferrari provides the necessary performance, Brawn suggests we could see Hamilton return to the record-breaking form that defined his career.

The details:

• Finding the Rhythm: Brawn noted that Hamilton's first season in red didn't quite click, stating, "it didn't quite gel last year." However, he emphasized that if Hamilton sees a genuine opportunity through a competitive package, the world will see the "vintage Lewis" once again.
• Vasseur's Test: When asked about the team boss's performance, Brawn defended Vasseur, noting that the true measure of success lies in the unseen infrastructure and engineering cohesion behind the scenes. This year's results will be a direct reflection of that internal structure.
• The Incentive Factor: Brawn highlighted that Hamilton thrives on incentive. If the new Ferrari car gives him a chance to fight for wins, the 41-year-old is expected to respond with the elite performance that has made him a legend of the sport.

What's next:

Ferrari is set to pull the covers off its 2026 contender in Italy on Friday, marking a critical moment for the team's title aspirations. The season will feature a robust testing schedule, starting with a private event in Barcelona later this month, before the grid heads to Bahrain for official pre-season tests in February. The opening round awaits in Melbourne on March 8.