Lewis Hamilton‘s switch to Ferrari in 2025 has sparked debate over his future under the new 2026 regulations, with predictions suggesting he could either reach new heights or consider retirement. The seven-time world champion’s adaptation to Ferrari and the forthcoming regulation changes will be crucial in determining his career trajectory.
Challenges in Adapting to Ferrari’s Environment
After a dominant 12-year spell with Mercedes that garnered six of his seven championships, Hamilton joined Ferrari at the start of 2025. However, adapting to Ferrari’s culture, language barriers, and a new power unit has proven more difficult than anticipated. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admitted that both he and Hamilton had underestimated the complexities involved in this transition.
Although Hamilton has faced these hurdles, he currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings with 125 points. His notable achievements this season include his first sprint race victory for Ferrari in China and multiple fourth-place finishes at the Emilia-Romagna, Austria, and British Grand Prix events.
Jenson Button’s Perspective on Hamilton’s Performance
2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, speaking to Sky Sports F1 in Singapore, highlighted moments of brilliance amid Hamilton’s struggles during his debut season at Ferrari.
“We’ve seen some brilliance through the year,”
Button said. “I take it all the way back to the Shanghai sprint, which was very impressive. It’s not consistent enough through the year for him to have that confidence in the car.”
“He doesn’t have his team of people around him like he’s had for many years, racing at Mercedes as a world champion. It does take a bit of time.”
Button also emphasized the significance of the upcoming regulatory overhaul in 2026, viewing it as a critical moment for Hamilton’s career.
“With the new regulation change, which is massive for next year, that’s when we’re going to see either Lewis at his best, or a Lewis that’s maybe going to walk away,”
Button added.
Hamilton’s Own Assessment of Progress
Hamilton reflected on his own development with Ferrari following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, acknowledging room for improvement in adapting his driving style to the team’s car.
“I think there’s still some improvements to make in terms of how aggressive I can be. The car has been quite snappy, so still not 100% confident under braking when I’m attacking on the brakes. In the last race, I was, but in this race, didn’t feel it so much with the set-up that we ended up having,”
Hamilton explained.
“It’s kind of crazy, because we’ve been progressing yet we’ve not had results, really in the last few races. But there’s not like no progress so I think we’re able to do a good weekend and a good result.”
The Coming 2026 Regulation Shift and Its Potential Effects
The formula changes scheduled for 2026 present a crucial turning point for Hamilton and Ferrari as a whole. Aside from Hamilton’s individual challenges, Ferrari’s ability to adapt to the new regulations will heavily influence the team’s competitiveness and his future success.
How well Hamilton navigates this new era will not only shape his legacy but also impact Ferrari’s pursuit of championship titles after years of close yet unfulfilled contention. With the Briton now in his 40s, the 2026 rules could mark either a renaissance or a farewell chapter in his illustrious Formula 1 career.
