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Hamilton Moves Early to Shape Ferrari’s 2026 Power Unit Plans
Lewis Hamilton is already looking beyond his troubled first year with Ferrari, with reports from Italian media suggesting the seven-time world champion has requested details of the team’s 2026 power unit. His goal is to influence the design direction of the next-generation car, tailoring it to better complement his driving style.
Hamilton’s debut campaign in red has not gone as planned. He remains without a podium in 2025 and sits only sixth in the drivers’ standings, behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Much of his frustration stems from the Ferrari SF-25’s characteristics, especially its braking system. Compared to the Mercedes engines he drove for over a decade, Ferrari’s power unit provides a sharper and more aggressive braking intervention. For Hamilton, this disrupts his corner entry rhythm, leaving him unable to lean on the car with the precision he is accustomed to.
Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton submitted detailed technical feedback to Ferrari. His notes flagged braking inconsistencies, setup limitations, and instability issues at the rear of the car. In simulator sessions, he also struggled to find suitable configurations, often combining elements from different setups that resulted in unstable handling. By contrast, Leclerc has adapted better, preferring a smoother, more consistent approach.
With sweeping regulation changes coming in 2026—including major revisions to engine architecture and aerodynamics—Hamilton sees an opportunity for a reset. By understanding early how Ferrari’s next power unit will behave, particularly in braking and deployment phases, he hopes to guide the design toward something that suits his strengths.
However, his proactive stance raises questions about how Ferrari will balance the preferences of both drivers. While Hamilton seeks changes, Leclerc has indicated he is unconcerned, expressing confidence in Ferrari’s ability to design a car flexible enough to serve both styles.
The team’s stability at leadership level could help manage this delicate balance. Ferrari recently confirmed Frederic Vasseur will remain as team principal through the 2026 regulation cycle, a decision Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna described as a crucial step in maintaining continuity and maximizing championship potential.
For Hamilton, this early push signals intent. Rather than passively adapting, he is determined to play an active role in shaping Ferrari’s future. Whether his influence will deliver the car he needs to return to winning ways remains one of the most intriguing storylines heading into Formula 1’s new era.
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