Lewis Hamilton rejected the idea that his recovery in Formula 1 in 2026 is solely a consequence of the changes in the cars with the new regulations. The Ferrari driver also pointed to internal changes, which he said were important to improve his performance.
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The cars from 2022 to 2025 required a different driving style, favoring more controlled corner entries and a ‘U’-shaped driving style. Hamilton, on the other hand, was used to braking later and harder, being aggressive on corner entries and exits, as well as preferring the so-called ‘V’.
With the 2026 rules, downforce generation returned to relying more on the wings, while aerodynamic rake also returned to the concept of cars prior to 2022. This characteristic had been successfully exploited by Mercedes between 2017 and 2021, a period in which Hamilton won four of his six F1 titles with the team.
Even so, the seven-time champion does not consider the change in philosophy sufficient to explain his evolution after a difficult 2025 at Ferrari. Hamilton highlighted that he worked with the Scuderia boss, Fred Vasseur, to promote changes in the team, including the adoption of Carbon Industrie brake discs, after Ferrari used Brembo materials for a long period.
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“People really talk about my driving style not working in the previous car, and certainly I was less happy with those cars, but I still won races and managed to put in great performances,” Hamilton said, citing the 2024 British GP as an example. “If your driving style doesn’t fit a generation of cars, you can’t win. I think it’s a matter of being able to adapt,” he said.
Hamilton also explained that some Ferrari characteristics needed time to be modified: “Last year, there were many elements that simply didn’t work for me with the setup we had here, and it took a long time to change those things. We are starting to see those things change, and I am very grateful for that,” he added.
The Briton continued, saying that his goal since arriving at Ferrari was to use his experience to help the team evolve: “I’m leaving no stone unturned. I said last year how much work I was doing behind the scenes to try to help a team navigate and improve, and we are finally starting to see the first step,” he concluded.
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