Photo: Race Pictures

Why 2026 could be the year of Lewis Hamilton's resurgence

20:30, 22 Jan

bySavannah Lenz

Lewis Hamilton called last year “the worst season ever” and “a nightmare” as he went without a single podium for the first time in his F1 career. However, there is reason to suggest that the 2026 season could be his comeback year.

With the ground effect era gone, full input in his new team, and a regulation reset, the pieces are in place for Hamilton to come out and play once again. He is the most successful Formula 1 driver in the sport's history, with his team being the most decorated in Formula 1 history. The pair together make the perfect combination to dominate the new set of rules and regulations - in theory, at least.

A level playing field

Throughout the ground-effect era, both Mercedes and Hamilton struggled. Neither managed to identify the issues and regain the dominant position they once held. Hamilton's highest World Drivers' Championship finish was third throughout the entire period, even though in the eight years before that, his lowest position was second.

The 2026 Formula One season offers a reset for Hamilton at Ferrari. Several changes have been made to make the 2026 cars smaller and lighter, unlike the changes in 2022. From 2021 to 2022, major changes were made to almost every part of the car to increase underbody influence and create low pressure that pulls the car down to the track. The tyre sizes went from 13 inches to 18 inches. The cars' weight also increased from 752 kg to 798 kg. These changes did not work well with Hamilton’s late-breaking driving style; the cars had become too big and too heavy.

However, under the new regulations, the 2026 cars will be 30 kg lighter, and while the 18-inch tyres remain, their width has been reduced. The front tyre width has been reduced by 25 mm, and the rear tyre width by 30 mm. The new active aerodynamics system is supposed to allow higher cornering speeds, which should suit Hamilton better. Not only will the new regulations level the playing field, but his second year at Ferrari will as well, and he has 12 months of learnings from an albeit difficult period.

Photo: Race Pictures

In 2025, the seven-time world champion had to learn how a new team and engine worked. Hamilton had always driven with Mercedes engines until 2025, when he moved to Ferrari. This year, Hamilton knows his team personnel and how they operate. He has also been able to give input on the production of the 2026 car, something he couldn’t do for 2025.

His ability to adapt

We know that Hamilton is quick to adapt. In his first-ever Formula 1 race, he placed third. As a rookie, he kept up with his teammate, Fernando Alonso, who already had two championships under his belt. In 2008, his second Formula 1 season, Hamilton won the championship. After joining Mercedes in 2013, he adapted in his first year and went on to win additional championships. In his first years with both McLaren and Mercedes, Hamilton learned the teams well enough to win the World Drivers' Championship with them the following year.

Could his new journey with Ferrari follow the same path? Hamilton had no input at the outset on the SF-25's development, but in 2026, this will change. Ferrari would have listened to his feedback and made changes for this season.

Hamilton is a highly adaptable driver who has now made three team changes in his career. He has driven under several different rules and regulation eras. The Briton is also the second-oldest driver on the grid, next to Alonso. However, compared to his former teammate, Hamilton has 47 fewer Grand Prix starts but has scored twice as many points.

Mental reset over winter

After the Abu Dhabi grand prix, Hamilton said he was going to “completely unplug from the matrix” over the winter break and that his plans were “just disconnecting, not speaking to anyone.” He also said, “No one will be able to get in touch with me this winter. I won't have my phone with me, and I'm looking forward to that.”

While Hamilton didn’t exactly stick to the rule of not having his phone, he did unplug and relax, as seen on his social media. His posts were mainly related to sponsors, such as him running in New York City wearing Lululemon and attending a Broncos game in Denver. However, after his 41st birthday, he shared some moments from his winter break.

In the post, he could be seen skiing, unwrapping presents, and enjoying time with his family. Hamilton also said he was “incredibly grateful for this break” and that it was “everything he needed after a very draining year.”

Hamilton is set to be back in action on January 23rd when Ferrari launches their 2026 challenger, the SF-26. After that, he will travel to Barcelona to complete the first set of pre-season testing.

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