Lewis Hamilton believes he has found a new level of connection with Ferrari through the latest Formula 1 car, which he says carries his own DNA. After a difficult first season with the Scuderia, Hamilton is optimistic about his role and the team’s prospects for the current campaign.
Reflecting on a Challenging Debut Season
Hamilton’s initial year at Ferrari proved frustrating, marked by his failure to secure a single podium finish for the first time in his career. The seven-time world champion ended the drivers’ championship in sixth place, trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth. At season’s end, Hamilton expressed clear disappointment, describing his debut with the Italian outfit as a “nightmare.”
Pre-Season Improvements and Renewed Confidence
Ferrari’s performance in pre-season testing has sparked hope, with the final session in Bahrain highlighting promising pace. Hamilton, who has spent the winter period regrouping, appeared in strong spirits, exuding renewed energy and positive expectations for the year ahead.
I’ve obviously gone through quite a bit and you know left everything, all of last year behind me,
Hamilton shared.
I spent a lot of time rebuilding over this winter, refocusing, really getting my body and my mind to a much better place. I generally feel personally in the best place that I’ve been in a long time with rearranging things within my team.
Greater Influence on the New Ferrari Machine
Unlike in 2025, when Hamilton joined Ferrari late and had limited input into the car’s design, this season marks a turning point. Having been fully involved in development, he has influenced the newest Ferrari model through extensive work in the simulator over several months, making the car feel more personal.
Last year we were locked into a car that ultimately I inherited,
Hamilton said.
This is a car that I’ve been able to be a part of developing on the simulator for the last 10 months, eight months and so like a bit of my DNA is within it, so I’m more connected to this one for sure.
Long-Term Commitment Despite Past Setbacks
Hamilton remains fully committed to Ferrari as part of a longer-term vision, confident in the team’s capabilities despite previous difficulties. He acknowledges that success will take time and views the challenges faced so far as valuable lessons for the future.
My belief in the team is still absolutely the same,
he affirmed.
I understand the faith in this team and what they’re capable of and that’s why I joined the team.
I knew it wasn’t gonna be an overnight thing where we’d have success immediately, that’s why I signed a longer deal, because I knew it was a process and I feel like we’ve also learned a huge amount from last year as a team.
Regulatory Developments Affecting Engine Rules
Amid the ongoing battle on the track, Formula 1’s governing authority, the FIA, is set to address controversy involving Mercedes’s engine. The issue centers on a regulatory loophole related to the compression ratio, which Mercedes reportedly exploits by using measurements at ambient, rather than operating, temperatures.
Other engine manufacturers, including Ferrari, have voiced concerns that this gives Mercedes an unfair advantage, even though their approach complies with the letter of the rules. Following consultations with the power unit advisory committee, the FIA has proposed tightening the regulations from August 1 onward by requiring compression ratio checks at a temperature closer to actual operating conditions of 130°C.
The committee—comprising representatives from FIA, F1 management, and manufacturers including Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Audi, and Honda—must vote on this proposal within ten days. The decision requires approval from at least five of the seven members to take effect.
The Road Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
With Hamilton more involved in shaping the car and exhibiting greater personal and team alignment, Ferrari hopes to build on the lessons from last season. Success remains uncertain but possible, as the team prepares for the season ahead amid technical challenges and evolving regulations.
How Ferrari and Hamilton adapt to both the on-track competition and new regulatory measures will be pivotal in determining their trajectory this year and beyond.
