Lewis Hamilton may be left with... as new Mercedes theory...

Lewis Hamilton may be left with… as new Mercedes theory… Read More

Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 could prove costly, especially if a new theory about Mercedes’ future performance turns out to be accurate. Recent comments from Williams driver Alex Albon suggest that Mercedes could continue to have an edge over their rivals, particularly in light of the 2026 power unit regulations.

Albon, who recently signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams, cited Mercedes’ power unit as a significant factor in his decision. According to the Thai-British driver, Mercedes’ track record of excelling during regulation changes makes them a safer bet than other manufacturers. Albon remarked, “I think Mercedes, time and time again when it comes to these regulation changes, they seem to be one step ahead of their rivals. Not to say I don’t think other teams will do a good job, but I think it’s at least a safe bet.”

This revelation could leave Hamilton in a precarious position. Having spent most of his career benefitting from Mercedes’ dominance in the turbo-hybrid era, his switch to Ferrari in 2025 might expose him to unforeseen challenges. Hamilton won six of his seven Drivers’ Championships with Mercedes, relying on the German manufacturer’s superior power unit to remain at the top of the sport for nearly a decade.

However, Ferrari has struggled to match Mercedes’ consistency in recent years, despite showing flashes of brilliance. While Ferrari could potentially nail the 2026 engine regulations, Hamilton will face additional hurdles, including competing alongside a highly-rated teammate, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc, already a formidable competitor, is expected to be a significant contender for the championship, making Hamilton’s quest for an eighth World Championship even more challenging.

The 2026 technical regulations are expected to heavily impact the pecking order, and power units will play a pivotal role in determining which teams emerge as frontrunners. If Mercedes continues to excel in this area, Hamilton’s departure could be seen as a misstep, potentially leaving him with regrets as he navigates a new chapter in his career with Ferrari.

While Hamilton can take solace in the fact that he’s leaving Mercedes on a high note, there’s no denying the risk involved in his move. His final season with Mercedes has already delivered some success, with Hamilton ending a 945-day winless streak by claiming victory at the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This win marked his ninth victory at the iconic circuit, setting a new record. He followed up this triumph with another victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, after his teammate George Russell was disqualified.

Despite these recent successes, Hamilton’s future at Ferrari remains uncertain. The pressure will be on both him and Ferrari to deliver results in a highly competitive environment. With the looming 2026 regulations and a potentially resurgent Mercedes, Hamilton may find himself in a challenging position as he seeks to add an eighth World Championship to his illustrious career. Whether his gamble pays off remains to be seen, but the next few seasons are sure to be a defining chapter in the legacy of one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.