Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is looking ahead to the 2026 Formula 1 season with renewed determination after a challenging first year with Ferrari in 2025. Following a difficult debut season, Hamilton aims to turn things around with Ferrari’s new SF-26 car and the unwavering support of passionate fans.
The 2025 season was expected to mark a fresh and exciting chapter for Hamilton after his high-profile move from Mercedes, where he spent a decade achieving immense success. However, despite an early highlight with a sprint race victory in China, the year soon spiraled into a series of setbacks and disappointments that hampered both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc.
Challenges and Setbacks Marked the 2025 Campaign
Although hopes were high, multiple obstacles emerged early in the season, including both Hamilton and Leclerc’s disqualification following the Chinese Grand Prix. This event highlighted the broader difficulties Ferrari faced throughout the year, from strategic missteps to several missed opportunities, which hampered their competitiveness.
Hamilton’s performance and confidence noticeably declined as the season progressed, especially in the latter half where he struggled with qualifying eliminations in the early stages, indicating deeper issues within the team’s setup and race execution.
Hamilton Expresses Gratitude for Ferrari’s Efforts and Fan Support
Reflecting on his time with Ferrari preparing for 2026, Hamilton emphasized the special atmosphere and the hard work going into constructing the SF-26. He praised the collective efforts across all departments and described the experience as both humbling and motivating.
“Just waking up here at Ferrari, it’s very, very special,”
Hamilton told formula1.com.
He described the excitement of witnessing the team’s efforts firsthand, especially during simulator sessions and the assembling stages of the car.
“[Seeing] all the work we’ve been doing on the simulator and just the building blocks that you put in place, to then see a car come together, it is the most exciting part of the year when you see all these pieces come out of different departments and eventually it all fits together.”
“And you’re one of only two that gets to go out and drive it – it’s pretty remarkable, and I’m so grateful for all the hard work everyone’s put into it.”
He also highlighted the emotional connection with the Tifosi crowd, explaining how the atmosphere continues to fuel his passion for racing.
“That’s something that I will never get used to, and something that I’ll never be able to forget. But today’s really about reconnecting with the team, reconnecting with that passion of all the people that follow this team. It’s just a day that reignites you. It really also reminds me of why I love doing what I do and why I love this sport.”
Approach and Attitude Heading into the New Season
Hamilton expressed a notable change in his mindset compared to previous years, sharing his excitement about beginning anew with Ferrari. He emphasized the importance of resetting mentally during the offseason despite its brevity and embracing fresh routines to foster improvement.
“If you look at my interviews from all the other years, I would never say that I get excited, but I’m massively excited and I think that’s okay to say that,”
he remarked.
He discussed the process of discarding unproductive habits and focusing on positive energy to ensure he approaches the upcoming season with renewed vigor.
Hamilton is particularly eager for the first test sessions with the SF-26, anticipating the opportunity to stretch the car’s potential and understand how the new-generation regulations will influence performance. He also acknowledged the importance of staying informed about competitors’ advancements while maintaining Ferrari’s focus on their own development.
“The team feels refreshed, and [there’s been] so much work from so many different departments here – it’s awesome to see, so we’re going to take this energy and just take it one day at a time.”
Looking Ahead: What 2026 Could Mean for Hamilton and Ferrari
Hamilton’s determination combined with Ferrari’s investment and innovation efforts signal a potentially stronger campaign in 2026. The SF-26’s new design, coupled with the team’s drive to learn from past mistakes, could mark an important turnaround for both Hamilton and Ferrari after the difficulties endured in 2025.
With a refreshed mindset and the backing of devoted fans known as the Tifosi, Hamilton is positioned to pursue championship ambitions once again. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely as the new season unfolds, anticipating how this pivotal year might redefine Hamilton’s legacy with Ferrari.
