With new cars and engines on the way, the 2026 Formula 1 regulations give every team a fresh start.
Chassis development for teams began in January, allowing power unit manufacturers additional time to optimize their engines for the new season.
Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been tough. The seven-time world champion hit a low point at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he failed to score any points.
Poor qualifying sessions in both Belgium and Hungary left Hamilton sounding frustrated in media interviews, where he put the blame on himself for the team’s struggles.
Ferrari’s 2025 car has been held back by an underlying issue, but next year’s design will follow a completely new aerodynamic approach.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (26/08, 1:38 pm), Craig Slater mentioned that F1 engineer Pat Symonds, who works as a consultant to Cadillac, shared something off-camera that could interest Ferrari supporters.
Pat Symonds backs 2026 F1 car changes to suit Lewis Hamilton’s style
Hamilton has not found this era of cars easy to handle, with his strengths better suited to the previous generation. The shift in design next season could play into his hands.
The new regulations will see a move away from floor-generated downforce, and there will be less mechanical grip due to narrower tyres and an overall drop in downforce. Symonds believes these changes align well with Hamilton’s strengths.
Slater said: “Fascinating to look into the 2026 season, which is a complete reset. New power units, new aero rules, and rules which Pat Symonds intriguingly said to me off camera, which he thinks will benefit Lewis Hamilton’s driving style.
“So for those who are concerned a bit that his career at the very highest level in terms of winning championships might be fading, maybe 2026 can be a reset for Lewis Hamilton too.”
Lewis Hamilton told to recapture the ‘fire’ from 2021 title fight with Max Verstappen
The title fight between Hamilton and Max Verstappen was one of the most relentless in recent F1 history. However, neither driver has reached those heights since.
Mercedes have slipped back in recent years, while Ferrari and Red Bull have not been able to keep pace with McLaren so far in 2025.
Following Hamilton’s media appearances in Hungary, Tim Coronel called on him to rediscover the fire he showed during that 2021 title fight with Verstappen.
Jackie Stewart has also come out in support of Hamilton during his tough spell at Ferrari, saying there’s no reason why he cannot still succeed with the team.
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