Lewis Hamilton will not receive the Ferrari SF-25 upgrade he hoped for this season, as the team’s development efforts have shifted entirely toward the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has revealed that Ferrari’s progress on the 2026 car is “very impressive,” offering a positive signal for both drivers as they prepare for next season’s changes. The focus on the future highlights Hamilton’s desire for a strong comeback with Ferrari under the new rules.
Transformations in F1 Regulations for the 2026 Season
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations introduce significant changes to car design and power units, which are shaping Ferrari’s development priorities. The upcoming cars will feature a ‘nimble car’ concept, making them smaller and lighter by approximately 30 kilograms. The Drag Reduction System (DRS) will be discontinued, replaced by active aerodynamic elements on the front and rear wings, fundamentally changing race dynamics.
Tire dimensions will also shift, with Pirelli reducing front tires by 25 millimeters and rear tires by 30 millimeters. The powertrains will undergo a major evolution as well, moving to fully sustainable biofuels for internal combustion engines, alongside a substantial boost in electric energy output. The new MGU-K unit will deliver up to 350kW compared to the current 120kW, emphasizing the increasing importance of energy management in races.
Ferrari’s Development Progress Garners Optimism from Leclerc
As both chassis and engine manufacturer, Ferrari’s dual focus is producing promising results in preparation for 2026. Charles Leclerc, who initially expressed concerns about adapting to the new rules, now reports substantial improvement in the team’s development pace.
The rate of improvement is very impressive, I think for all the team,
Leclerc confirmed.
He added,
Obviously, there are big, big gains found every week. So, since the last time I actually commented that, it’s definitely gone for better, and that is a good thing.
Leclerc acknowledged the scale of change ahead and the challenges the new cars will create.
I still think that it’s going to be a huge change, and there will be some things that I think are going to be very difficult to change, and we’ll just have to adapt to these new cars. And also the way we will fight is going to be very tricky.
He views the challenge positively, saying,
But, I take that as a challenge for now. I’m sure that if we win, I will absolutely love those regulations. If we don’t, then it might be four very long years.
On recent developments, Leclerc stated simply,
But yeah, it got a lot better. That’s all I can say for now. Then we’ll see where we end up.
Hamilton’s Frustration and Determination Amid Development Pause
For Hamilton, the absence of upgrades to the current Ferrari model this season is a setback. Speaking in Baku, the seven-time World Champion admitted his eagerness for improvements but acknowledged the team’s focus on next year’s car.
He said plainly,
I would give anything for an upgrade,
then added,
but obviously, we don’t have that, to focus on next year’s car. So, we just have to do better in optimising and execution.
Hamilton’s outlook points to a determined effort to maximize results with current resources while building toward redemption in 2026 following a difficult first season in Ferrari’s colors.
What the 2026 Season Could Mean for Drivers and Teams
The 2026 season represents a pivotal moment, with confirmed driver line-ups and power unit suppliers already shaping the grid. The dramatic rise in electric power delivery means energy management will become a critical skill, alongside traditional driving ability.
Leclerc was asked about this new challenge of balancing energy use and driving performance. He said,
I think we’ve all been used to driving, and make a difference in the driving,
adding,
“I think the driving got to a pretty high level now, and it’s obviously more and more difficult to do the difference, but it’s still possible, and this is probably what I enjoy most.”
He also noted the strategic element of mastering energy management first, saying,
But it’s a challenge in itself to also work around those new challenges and to make sure that we get a competitive advantage because of it, by understanding it earlier than the others.
Finally, Leclerc summarized his stance as,
So yeah, my answer is probably that I would rather focus on driving. But, that’s not possible, and in that, I find an interesting challenge as well, to try and master earlier than the others.
Looking Forward: The Road to 2026 and Beyond
The focus on Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 2026 ambitions underlines how crucial the year ahead is for both driver and team. With extensive regulatory shifts demanding technical innovation and strategic adaptability, Ferrari’s progress is a key factor in their hopes for future success. For Hamilton, the absence of mid-season upgrades is a temporary frustration as he aims to harness the advances Leclerc praises. Teams and drivers will face an evolving landscape where technical mastery and energy management will define competitiveness, setting the stage for an intense and transformative F1 season starting in 2026.
