Lewis Hamilton Issues Firm Ferrari Demand Over...read more

Lewis Hamilton Issues Firm Ferrari Demand Ahead of 2026 F1 Season

Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has publicly urged Ferrari to embed his driving DNA into the design of their 2026 car, as he looks to return to title-contending form in the sport’s upcoming new era.

The seven-time world champion joined the Scuderia at the start of the 2025 season in one of the most high-profile transfers in recent F1 history. However, Hamilton’s first year in red has so far been anything but smooth, with the 40-year-old struggling to match the performance and consistency of teammate Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc, a Ferrari mainstay since 2019, has largely had the upper hand, both in qualifying and on race day, while Hamilton has openly acknowledged his difficulty adapting to the car’s unique characteristics.

“This year, with this car, we have a lot of different tools and ways in which we can set the car up,” Hamilton explained during a recent media session. “Obviously Charles has been here for a long time, and he’s been a part of evolving and developing this car. He’s very accustomed to it.

“They’ve found—and he has found—one way in which the car works. I tried all the other directions that should work, but they just don’t, just for whatever reason.”

Faced with limited options, Hamilton said he’s had to adapt his own preferences to mirror Leclerc’s setup, even if it means sacrificing comfort behind the wheel.

“I’ve slowly migrated to the place where Charles runs the car,” he said. “It’s a tough balance to drive and it’s not a comfortable one. It’s not one that I want to have in future.”

With Formula 1 preparing to enter a bold new era in 2026, Hamilton sees an opportunity to reset. The upcoming technical regulation changes will drastically reshape car aerodynamics and introduce new power unit specifications aimed at making the sport more sustainable and competitive.

Hamilton, who has been involved in multiple successful car development projects during his Mercedes years, is now determined to ensure Ferrari builds a 2026 challenger that fits his unique driving style—rather than one he must adapt to.

“I’m working with Loïc [Serrano, Ferrari’s Technical Director] and all the guys in the factory to make sure that the next car will have, naturally, some of my DNA in it,” he said.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get some of the characteristics that I’m hoping to have in next year.”

Hamilton’s comments suggest a shift in dynamic at Ferrari, with the British driver seeking greater influence in the direction of car development. It also signals his unwavering ambition to remain competitive at the highest level of motorsport, even as he enters his 40s.

The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent F1 history, as the grid reshuffles and car concepts are reborn. For Hamilton, the stakes couldn’t be higher. After going winless in recent seasons and still chasing an elusive eighth world title to surpass Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record, he is banking on the next-generation Ferrari to be the car that puts him back on top.

Ferrari, too, will be under intense scrutiny. Having last won a drivers’ title in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen, the Maranello-based outfit is desperate to return to championship contention. Hamilton’s legacy, Leclerc’s loyalty, and a ground-up car redesign offer them a rare confluence of talent, experience, and opportunity.

Whether they can turn that potential into results in 2026 may depend on how well Ferrari can balance two strong personalities—and two very different driving philosophies—within the same team.

One thing is clear: Lewis Hamilton is no longer content to adapt to Ferrari. He wants Ferrari to adapt to him.