Ferrari have made some bold moves with the development of their new SF-26, and 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial season for the team’s high-profile driver pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The pressure is on this year, especially after a winless 2025 campaign that followed an intense push for the constructors’ title just a season before. Both John Elkann and the tifosi will be expecting much more from Ferrari this time around.
Team principal Fred Vasseur has been told his job depends on how well Ferrari do this year. If they don’t come away with a championship, it’ll likely mark the end of his time in charge.
The same urgency applies to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who are both eager to get back to winning races and leading from the front again.
Lewis Hamilton’s influence on Ferrari 2026 F1 car might not sit well with Charles Leclerc
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari have agreed to several changes that Hamilton requested for the SF-26 after a difficult first season with the team.
Hamilton has reportedly had input on a range of areas, including the new power unit, suspension setup, brake distribution, and even the paddle placement on the steering wheel.
This approach should result in a car more tailored to Hamilton’s preferences. But it remains to be seen how these adjustments will work for Charles Leclerc.
After years of coming up short with Ferrari, Leclerc has already considered leaving. Another frustrating season could be enough for him to make that decision final.
The report adds that Ferrari are hopeful the changes made for Hamilton will also suit Leclerc, noting that engineers found it impossible to split development paths between both drivers.
If the alterations don’t fit his driving style, it could add to what is described as growing “discontent” on his side of the garage.
Lewis Hamilton is happy with Ferrari’s progress after Barcelona shakedown
Hamilton has shown a far more positive attitude so far in 2026, and he seems to be enjoying a brighter atmosphere inside the Ferrari garage.
It’s a stark contrast from the often tense scenes of 2025, and it appears that recent changes within the team may be helping set the tone for a better season.
Last week, Ferrari announced that Hamilton would be working with a new race engineer following the clear communication issues he experienced with his former right-hand man, Riccardo Adami.
A replacement hasn’t been made official just yet, but McLaren’s Cedric-Michel Grosjean is reportedly on his way to Maranello.
Grosjean left the reigning world champions in December after working closely with Oscar Piastri during the Australian’s title-winning season. Ferrari will hope his arrival can help bring stability to their operations as they look to get back into title contention this year.
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