Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion with 105 Grand Prix wins, joined Ferrari not out of desperation but drawn by the team’s historic prestige. Even though the Scuderia has faced recent setbacks, its global reputation in motorsport remains irresistible for a driver of Hamilton’s stature. The 41-year-old is likely motivated by aspirations to retire as a Ferrari legend and possibly secure an elusive eighth championship with the iconic Italian outfit.
However, time is pressing for Ferrari’s 2026 plans, and Hamilton’s role within the squad may be undergoing reassessment. To accommodate Hamilton, Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur parted ways with a reliable talent, Carlos Sainz. Interestingly, after racing for Williams in 2025 with the FW47, Sainz earned more podium finishes than Hamilton, raising questions about Ferrari’s current performance and future direction.
Ferrari’s Victory Drought Presents a Critical Challenge for Hamilton
In his debut season with Ferrari, Hamilton did not clinch a single Grand Prix victory, achieving a top-three finish only once by winning the sprint race at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. Early optimism among the tifosi faded as the season progressed without further successes. By the end of 2025, Carlos Sainz remained the most recent Ferrari driver to win a Grand Prix, underscoring the team’s ongoing struggles.
Ferrari currently endures a 28-race win drought, a disappointing stretch though not unprecedented considering their history, such as the 59 consecutive races without a win from 1990 to 1994. This extended dry spell has added pressure on Fred Vasseur, especially in light of the approximately $70 million spent to secure Hamilton’s services. The last Ferrari victory in a primary F1 event was at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, achieved before Hamilton’s arrival.
Leclerc’s Past Success and Hamilton’s Hopes for Redemption
Charles Leclerc played a critical role in breaking a long winless streak, ending Ferrari’s 45-race drought at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. Although Hamilton’s odds of fighting for the title in 2026 remain slim, his most immediate priority is clear: to deliver Ferrari its first win in nearly 30 races while driving in red. Achieving this would justify Vasseur’s controversial decision to replace Sainz and restore some confidence within the team and its supporters.
The pressure on Hamilton is considerable as both his and Leclerc’s contract details fuel speculation about their futures with Ferrari. Securing a victory would not only boost Hamilton’s legacy but also signal that the team’s investment could still pay dividends in the near term.
Why Ending the Winless Streak Matters for Ferrari and Hamilton
The 28-race drought represents a significant embarrassment for a brand like Ferrari, long synonymous with success in Formula 1. Hamilton’s ability to end this skid holds broader implications for the team’s morale and strategic planning as they build toward the 2026 season. A victory would reenergize the tifosi and strengthen Hamilton’s position within an evolving squad under Fred Vasseur’s leadership.
Ultimately, Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari may be defined by this moment. Delivering a win could cement his legacy as the driver who helped Ferrari overcome one of its most challenging periods, while failure may deepen questions about the team’s direction during this transitional phase in Formula 1.
“Imagine how amazing it would be to retire with Ferrari.” ?Anonymous Source
