Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 season began with high hopes but ended in disappointment, falling well short of the expectations set during pre-season.
There was plenty of buzz around Maranello following the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, with many wondering if he could be the missing piece to finally end Ferrari’s 17-year championship drought.
Charles Leclerc started the season in strong form, coming off an impressive finish to 2024. But things did not go to plan, and team principal Fred Vasseur will be keen to move on from what turned into a difficult year.
Hamilton finished without a podium for the first time in his career, while Leclerc is now four seasons into his Ferrari stint without a win.
Vasseur is facing increased pressure after his decision to halt aerodynamic development on the SF-25 as early as April backfired badly.
Still, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix did bring one small positive. Ferrari introduced a new component for their 2026 car as they begin to search for early advantages under the updated regulations.
Ferrari developing a new steering wheel for Lewis Hamilton ahead of 2026 F1 season
Throughout the season, Hamilton has drawn on his championship experience at Mercedes to help guide Ferrari forward.
While some inside the team have not fully embraced his suggestions, a report from Motorsport Italia has provided further insight into Ferrari’s plans.
Arthur Leclerc stepped into Hamilton’s car during FP1 in Abu Dhabi, pairing up with his brother for the first hour of the weekend. He was testing a lighter ‘prototype’ steering wheel with fewer options than the current model.
This new design is said to be closer to what Hamilton used at Mercedes. He had already asked for changes to the steering wheel before his debut with Ferrari and has continued refining his preferences throughout the year.
The button layout has been completely reworked to align with 2026 aerodynamic rule changes. With DRS now retired, drivers will need to adapt to different race modes instead.
The current design reportedly dates back to Sebastian Vettel, who preferred having direct control over every setting via additional functions on the wheel.
The updated version is more streamlined, featuring fewer paddles and buttons in favour of sub-menus – a move that matches Mercedes’ approach, rather than providing immediate access through multiple switches.
Sebastian Vettel’s advice for Lewis Hamilton during first Ferrari season
Vettel and Hamilton have plenty of shared history from their days battling each other on track, but their career paths share even closer ties than most realise.
Vettel left Red Bull after four straight titles in hopes of ending Ferrari’s long wait for another championship. But things did not go as planned.
Frustration built up during his time there, especially as Leclerc emerged as the team’s rising star before Vettel eventually made the move to Aston Martin.
Hamilton appears to be closely mirroring Vettel’s trajectory after completing his inaugural year with the Scuderia.
Despite offering advice to the 40-year-old during his debut season at Ferrari, Vettel’s guidance was ultimately ineffective in helping the British driver overcome the inherent issues with the SF-25.
Following a campaign that proved far more challenging than anticipated, questions are now being raised about Hamilton. His significant gap to Leclerc has caused considerable surprise.
By providing Hamilton with a more familiar steering wheel for the regulation change, the 40-year-old will hopefully gain an extra boost of confidence.
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