Steiner: Ferrari Needs Strong 2026 Car to Keep Hamilton Motivated

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner suggests that Ferrari's performance in 2026, under new regulations, will be crucial in keeping Lewis Hamilton motivated. Following a challenging Las Vegas Grand Prix, Steiner emphasized that Hamilton needs a significant 'lift' from the new car to consider continuing his Formula 1 career beyond 2026.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025 has created immense anticipation, but his long-term future in F1, especially with new regulations arriving in 2026, hinges on competitive machinery. For Ferrari, securing Hamilton's full commitment for the new era requires delivering a car capable of challenging for championships, a task they've struggled with consistently in recent years.

The Details:

• 2026 Regulations Crucial: Steiner believes the 2026 car, built under new technical regulations, will be a defining factor for Hamilton. He noted that Hamilton "never liked his ground-effect cars" and hasn't been "the old Lewis Hamilton" since their introduction.
• Adaptation is Key: According to Steiner, the new regulations offer Hamilton a "new opportunity" to adapt to a different car concept. His ability to perform with this new car will likely dictate his decision on whether to continue racing into 2027.
• Frustration Evident: Steiner observed Hamilton's frustration after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he failed to progress past Q1 and later called his 10th-place finish "meaningless points." This sentiment underscores Hamilton's current dissatisfaction with the performance of ground-effect cars.
• Looking Beyond Current Era: Hamilton appears to be counting down the remaining races of the current ground-effect era, hoping for a fresh start with Ferrari in 2025 and a competitive leap in 2026.
• "Useless" Self-Assessment: Hamilton's post-race comments in Vegas echoed his previous self-assessment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he labeled himself "useless," indicating a deep-seated frustration with his current performance capabilities in the present car generation.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari's development for the 2025 season, but more critically, on their ability to design a championship-contending car for the radical 2026 regulation changes. If Ferrari can deliver a car that truly 'lifts' Hamilton, his future in F1 could extend well beyond his initial contract, solidifying his legacy with the Scuderia. If not, Steiner's concerns about Hamilton potentially retiring could become a reality.