Ferrari’s Bold Move: Will Lewis Hamilton See Major Changes Ahead of F1 2026?
In a thrilling twist within the high-octane world of Formula 1, Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur has ignited speculation about potential seismic shifts on Lewis Hamilton’s side of the garage. After a tumultuous 2025 season, where the British racing legend struggled to find his footing with the Scuderia, the question on everyone’s lips is whether Hamilton’s situation will dramatically transform before the 2026 season kicks off.
Hamilton, who found himself mired in difficulties last year, finished a disappointing sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing a staggering 100 points behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Despite a singular Sprint victory in China, the seven-time world champion faced a disheartening drought, failing to secure a spot on the podium throughout the entire season—a fate only shared by six other full-time drivers in Ferrari’s storied history.
The crux of Hamilton’s challenges stemmed from the unreliable SF-25, a car that thwarted not only his ambitions but also denied Leclerc a well-deserved win, leading Ferrari to a lackluster fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Additionally, Hamilton’s relationship with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, was fraught with tension, as evidenced by several heated exchanges over the radio during races.
Addressing these issues head-on, Vasseur expressed a resolute commitment to enhancing Hamilton’s performance in the upcoming season. “We need to improve our collaboration,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for Hamilton to maximize the potential of the car at his disposal. He added, “Every detail counts. Understanding each other better is crucial. We know each other better on the other side of the garage with Leclerc, but I also need to understand what Lewis wants.”
While Vasseur remained tight-lipped about the possibility of reassessing Hamilton’s engineering team, hinting that “we evaluate all options,” the implications are clear: a shake-up might be on the horizon. Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has seen him battling cars from the midfield, a stark contrast to the dominance he was accustomed to with Mercedes.
Reflecting on the challenges of transitioning from the familiar environment of Mercedes to the distinct culture of Ferrari, Vasseur admitted to underestimating the complexities involved in Hamilton’s move. “I underestimated the extent of the change,” he conceded, highlighting the myriad differences in culture, methodology, and technology that Hamilton had to navigate. “For 20 years, he was linked to the Mercedes world. If you’re not always at the top in every area, you leave tenths on the table. The difference between fifth and 15th this year was minimal.”
Hamilton himself echoed these sentiments earlier in the season, acknowledging that the transition was more taxing than he had anticipated. With Vasseur’s candid acknowledgment of the hurdles Hamilton faced, there is hope that the upcoming changes will allow the superstar driver to reclaim his status among the elite in Formula 1.
As all eyes turn towards the 2026 season, the question remains: Will Ferrari unveil a revamped strategy that empowers Lewis Hamilton to harness his legendary skills and challenge for glory once more? The stage is set for what could be a monumental year in the annals of F1 history. Buckle up—this is a story that promises to deliver high-speed drama and electrifying twists!









