BREAKING: Hamilton Confirms Ferrari’s Shift to… Read more
Hamilton Confirms Ferrari’s Shift to 2026 Focus After Belgian GP Setback
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has confirmed that Ferrari is now concentrating on their 2026 car development following a deeply disappointing Belgian Grand Prix weekend. Despite bringing significant upgrades to the SF-25 in Spa, the team’s efforts fell short, prompting a strategic pivot toward the next era of regulations.
Ferrari had entered the Belgian Grand Prix with high hopes, equipping both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc with a new rear suspension. This upgrade aimed to widen the car’s tyre operating window and reduce its sensitivity to changes in ride height. However, Hamilton expressed his dissatisfaction, stating the car felt virtually unchanged, despite the technical tweaks.
Hamilton’s frustration was amplified after he suffered back-to-back Q1 eliminations—first in the sprint qualifying and then again during the main Grand Prix qualifying session. It marked one of his toughest weekends since joining the Italian team. Speaking to Sky Sports’ Craig Slater after qualifying, Hamilton admitted that Ferrari has now shifted its attention towards 2026, when sweeping regulation changes will redefine the technical landscape of F1.
“We’re doing the best with what we have, and everyone is pushing hard back at the factory,” Hamilton said. “We’ve had some upgrades recently, but that’s likely it for the rest of the season. The main focus, at least at the factory, is already on the 2026 car. This year’s been a tricky one.”
Between the British and Belgian Grands Prix, Hamilton revealed he had been spending multiple days each week at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. There, he held key meetings with chairman John Elkann, CEO Benedetto Vigna, team principal Fred Vasseur, and car development head Loic Serra. These sessions centered not just on the SF-25’s current issues but primarily on shaping the direction of the 2026 challenger.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in a shock move announced earlier this season, shared that discussions during these meetings included critical aspects of the 2026 car—namely, engine performance, front and rear suspension architecture, and overall car balance. He even hinted that Ferrari had “tried the 2026 car for the first time,” possibly referring to early simulator sessions or wind tunnel evaluations.
Additionally, Hamilton disclosed that he had submitted two detailed reports—one addressing car-related technical concerns, and another proposing broader structural improvements within the team. These documents, he said, were designed to spark internal discussions and fast-track Ferrari’s preparations for the upcoming regulation overhaul.
The comments from the 40-year-old mark a decisive change in Ferrari’s 2025 strategy. While the team initially hoped to make progress with the SF-25 through their latest upgrades, the lack of tangible improvement in Spa has convinced senior leadership to turn their full attention to building a more competitive car for 2026.
With Leclerc still fighting to keep Ferrari in contention in the constructors’ standings, Hamilton’s focus has clearly moved beyond immediate results. Instead, he is playing a more developmental and leadership role, aiming to help Ferrari return to championship-winning form when the new rules come into effect.
Ferrari now appears to be in the process of learning from their current struggles to ensure they make the right decisions heading into a new F1 era—one they hope will mark a resurgence for the legendary Italian team.
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