Lewis Hamilton is positioned to regain his former dominance with Ferrari as the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, according to motorsport commentator Will Buxton. After several challenging years marked by missed championship opportunities and underwhelming performances, Hamilton’s prospects appear brighter thanks to upcoming regulation changes and strong preseason testing results.
Since narrowly losing the 2021 drivers’ title, Hamilton has struggled to fight at the front consistently. His switch to Ferrari had raised hopes of regaining peak form, but initial results were disappointing. Now, new technical rules and Hamilton’s input during car development could reverse fortunes as the season’s first race in Australia nears.
Challenges Behind Hamilton’s Recent Performance Dip
Part of Hamilton’s recent struggles have been linked to his partnership with race engineer Riccardo Adami, whose role within Ferrari changed following difficulties in communication and performance. Looking forward, Hamilton will work with a new race engineer, a move aimed at restoring more effective cooperation during races and testing sessions.
Improved dialogue with Ferrari’s technical team in preparation for 2026 has reportedly allowed Hamilton to tap into his full capabilities again. These developments fuel expectations that the seven-time world champion could soon return to the high level fans once witnessed during his championship-winning years.
Will Buxton’s Take on Hamilton’s Winning Potential in 2026
During a discussion on the Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Will Buxton expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to win races this season. Buxton emphasized that although preseason testing tends to be an imperfect predictor, Hamilton looked impressive adapting to the new regulations, reminiscent of his strong 2021 form.
I think Lewis Hamilton is going to be winning races again.
— Will Buxton, Motorsport Commentator
If preseason testing is anything to go by — and we never look too much into preseason testing — but the Ferrari looks really good, like really good, and Lewis was just waiting for this change of regulation to hopefully take him back to where he was back in 2021 with a car that he liked.
— Will Buxton, Motorsport Commentator
Lewis could qualify last and still be first by the first corner.
— Will Buxton, Motorsport Commentator
Hamilton’s Impact on Ferrari’s 2026 Car Development
Hamilton has been very vocal about wanting the Ferrari car tailored to his driving style, pushing the team to make changes that optimize performance for him. His experience and technical feedback are playing a significant role in shaping Ferrari’s 2026 contender, which incorporates innovations like a new 180-degree rear wing design.
Renewed Ambitions for Hamilton and Ferrari Ahead of 2026
Following a lackluster debut season with Ferrari, both Hamilton and the Scuderia are eager to prove their competitiveness with a strong start this year. Despite his demanding nature, Hamilton’s requests for car adjustments reflect his determination to maximize results and justify his standing as a top-tier driver.
Fellow driver Lando Norris has expressed optimism about Hamilton’s chances after witnessing Ferrari’s testing pace in Bahrain, highlighting growing belief within the F1 community about the veteran’s potential resurgence.
Still, until race outcomes confirm progress, Hamilton and Ferrari remain cautiously hopeful, focusing on refining performance and securing consistent improvements throughout the season.
