Lewis Hamilton confirmed his relief at the prospect of moving on from the current generation of ground-effect cars in Formula 1, responding with a clear “yes” when asked if he welcomed the change. Since the introduction of the ground-effect chassis in 2022, F1 vehicles have derived significantly more downforce from airflow underneath the car, altering race dynamics. However, with new chassis and power unit regulations set for 2026, the sport is preparing for another major shift in car development.
Challenges Faced with Ground-Effect Cars at Mercedes
Despite his remarkable career, Hamilton found the ground-effect cars difficult to adapt to, especially during the 2022 season. At Mercedes, he and the team struggled with porpoising, a phenomenon causing the car to bounce at high speed, which impacted performance over 2022 and 2023. These years marked the first winless stretch in his career until his breakthrough victory at the 2024 British Grand Prix. That success was soon followed by another win in Belgium, which came after his teammate George Russell was disqualified for having an underweight car post-race.
Adjusting to Ferrari and New Team Dynamics
Now racing for Ferrari, Hamilton is navigating a new chapter, working with the team for the first time in over a decade. This change brings the challenge of collaborating alongside Charles Leclerc, one of the sport’s most highly regarded drivers. His priority remains adapting to the new environment while competing fiercely on track.
Focus on Future Races Versus Next Season
Speaking to reporters in Baku about the remainder of the 2025 season, Hamilton expressed a measured perspective on the importance of the remaining races. He stated,
“I don’t personally feel like these last races really have much bearing on next year.”
This viewpoint reflects a focus on preparing for the 2026 regulations and the fresh competition that will bring.
