Lewis Hamilton’s Vision for the Future of Ferrari in Formula 1
As the 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its midpoint, the spotlight is shifting towards preparations for the upcoming season, especially with significant regulatory changes on the horizon. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is keen on embedding his "DNA" into the next iteration of Ferrari’s car. But what does this entail, and how does it impact both the team’s current performance and its future trajectory?
Evaluating the Transition: Present vs. Future
The gap between the British Grand Prix and the Belgian GP is an ideal opportunity for the Ferrari team to assess their current standing and strategize for the future. This dual focus is essential, especially as the sport gears up for one of the most significant technical overhauls in its history. The relationship between the present and the future is woven with the threads of ongoing development and accumulated experience.
At Ferrari, the urgency to reverse a season that has not met expectations is palpable. The groundwork laid in the upcoming months will be critical for the performance of the 2026 car. While development efforts are still in their infancy, the team is at a pivotal stage where foundational design choices are being established.
In embarking on this new chapter, the preparations for the 2026 season highlight the dual need for immediate improvements and long-term vision. Each driver contributes a unique set of experiences that can serve as a valuable asset, particularly when coming from a team with a history of success.
Addressing Current Inconsistencies
Hamilton’s 2025 season has been marked by inconsistency, a situation exacerbated by his struggle to connect with the car. This challenge stems from both technical limitations and a lack of familiarity, prompting the legendary driver to express his desire to imbue the 2026 Ferrari with his own distinct characteristics.
Some of the issues currently plaguing the Ferrari car arise from its structural design, which necessitates a thorough evaluation to unlock its performance potential. Other challenges are more nuanced, emerging as drivers adjust to a new environment. This is a familiar pattern, as seen with drivers like Carlos Sainz at Williams and Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber, who have requested adjustments to aspects like power steering and throttle responsiveness.
The Importance of Power Steering
One of the primary areas Hamilton has concentrated on since joining Ferrari is the power steering system. Following the recent changes in suspension layout, he has advocated for specific adjustments tailored to his driving style and the unique challenges he faces on the track. These adaptations are crucial for enhancing performance and comfort behind the wheel.
It is vital to differentiate between the structural issues affecting both drivers and the subjective preferences that emerge from individual driving styles. The steering setup, in particular, is highly personalized; each driver has distinct preferences that often become more pronounced when transitioning to a new team, especially under varying lateral forces experienced on the track.
Balancing Challenges with Technical Adaptations
These technical intricacies add to the existing challenges presented by the SF-25, a car that Hamilton has described as difficult to balance. Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate, has leaned toward more extreme setup solutions to optimize the car’s front-end dynamics while compensating for its rear. Hamilton has explored various configurations as he seeks to align his approach more closely with Leclerc’s, gradually gravitating toward the setup that has proven effective for his teammate.
“Charles and the team have discovered a way to make the car function,” Hamilton noted. “I have explored all the other avenues that should theoretically yield results, but for some reason, they haven’t worked as expected. Over time, I’ve adjusted my approach to more closely match Charles’s setup.”
The Quest for Stability
Despite these adjustments leading to improved qualifying speeds, Hamilton’s race pace remains a concern, particularly as tire grip diminishes over time. Some issues, such as the feeling in high-speed corners, cannot be resolved solely through adjustments. This instability must be managed, especially in tight, fast corners where driver confidence and steering precision are paramount.
Hamilton has made it clear that enhancing stability is a priority, both for the current season and for the future. Ferrari’s deputy team principal, Jerome d’Ambrosio, acknowledged that Leclerc has been working with a car that tends to exhibit more oversteer, a setup that has yielded positive results for him. Recently, Hamilton has adopted a similar approach, which reflects the current regulations’ influence on vehicle dynamics.
Addressing Front-End Challenges
There are also specific technical hurdles that Leclerc faces, particularly in slow corners where the front-end grip can be problematic. The longer and more sweeping the corner, the more the SF-25 tends to understeer, complicating the search for a balanced setup. In sharper corners, some of these issues may be less pronounced, as evidenced during the recent race in Austria.
Expanding the Operational Window
While certain improvements can be implemented in the short term, addressing other challenges will take more time, especially with the 2026 season in sight. The objective isn’t to pursue a singular path but rather to enhance operational flexibility across various scenarios. From the year’s onset, Hamilton has expressed concerns related to braking performance and engine braking, which he finds excessively aggressive compared to his experiences at Mercedes.
In the development of a new car, engineers aim to optimize performance through innovative design, striving to meet specific goals for downforce and drag. This approach means that cars are not built around a single driver; instead, the driver’s insights help pinpoint areas where flexibility is vital—broad themes that guide the development process based on their experiences.
Hamilton’s Unique Contribution
This is where Hamilton aims to leave his mark on the 2026 Ferrari, not just from a technical perspective but also regarding the team’s working methods. Given the packed racing calendar, factory drivers typically engage in simulator sessions for the following year’s car relatively late in the cycle, barring any major regulatory changes. In such cases, feedback can be provided earlier, albeit mostly at a conceptual level.
“We value the input from our drivers—both of them,” d’Ambrosio explained. “Interestingly, during our factory meetings, we often find that the drivers arrive at similar requests regarding their needs from the car. We strive to incorporate this feedback. While part of the development process focuses on delivering a package that maximizes downforce and overall performance, a significant aspect involves providing drivers with the tools and conditions they need to adapt the car to their driving styles.”
The Dual Phases of Development
The development process can be viewed in two distinct phases, each interlinked yet focusing on different aspects. The first phase revolves around achieving an overall balance in the car to generate optimal performance. The second phase delves into the finer details—an area where listening to the drivers is crucial.
As the Ferrari team navigates the complexities of the 2025 season and looks forward to the 2026 campaign, the collaboration between Hamilton, Leclerc, and the engineering team will be essential in shaping a competitive future for the iconic team. The need for adaptability, understanding, and innovation will define their journey as they strive to return to the pinnacle of Formula 1 racing.
To encapsulate the essence of Hamilton’s aspirations for Ferrari, it’s clear that he wishes to not only enhance the car’s performance for the immediate future but also to ensure that the foundation laid today will resonate in the years to come, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of both his career and the Scuderia Ferrari team.
