A look back at the announcement that Hamilton was set to move to Ferrari shows that it was seen as one of the biggest stories in the sport for years. It was the sport’s most successful driver joining the most famous team. To many people, it looked like a partnership that should’ve come sooner, but maybe the timing was perfect. For Ferrari, it gave the opportunity to bring in a proven champion who could end the ongoing wait for drivers’ championship glory, something that has eluded the team since 2007.
A Challenging First Year Together
Even for a driver who has the experience that Hamilton does, moving teams is never straightforward. After spending so much time with Mercedes, it was clear that it was going to take time to adjust to the way that Ferrari worked.
It’s fair to say that the results reflected this. There were weekends where Hamilton showed the kind of form that made him a seven-time world champion. However, consistency was hard to come by. Ferrari seemed to lack the pace needed to challenge at the front on a regular basis, with Hamilton taking time to adjust to a completely different car.
For a driver used to fighting for victories almost every weekend, the transition was frustrating. The first season became more about understanding the team, building relationships and identifying areas where improvements could be made rather than launching a serious championship assault.
Why 2026 Feels Different
Fans are pleased to see that visible progress has been made by Hamilton and Ferrari. After a year of getting to know and understand each other, the partnership now appears to be much stronger.
Hamilton has been very open about having greater influence over the development of the car. It has been reported that several of the changes he has requested have been introduced, meaning that this will be a car much better suited to him.
The results so far have reflected these improvements. Hamilton is looking more and more comfortable, and his first victory in Barcelona is surely a sign of things to come. Here, Hamilton came first with a 20 second lead. At the age of 41, he is the oldest winner of any Grand Prix since Jack Brabham in 1970.
Experience Remains a Major Advantage
Of course, young drivers will continue to make headlines, but Hamilton has something that hardly anyone can match: experience at the very highest level. He has had more than two decades in F1 and has faced literally every possible situation.
Hamilton’s career has been so successful because he has the unique ability to remain calm, no matter how challenging the circumstances. Even when he’s been without the fastest car, he has always maximised opportunities and taken every possible point. These qualities are extremely important in the course of a long season.
For fans interested in Formula 1 betting, Hamilton’s experience remains one of the strongest arguments in favour of his title credentials. Pure speed is essential, but championship success often depends on consistency, race management and the ability to deliver results when conditions are less than ideal.
Why Ferrari’s Progress Matters
The changes made by Ferrari for this season have certainly altered the mood around the team. Looking back 12 months ago, there were plenty of questions being asked about whether the Hamilton move would deliver anything that the two sides expected. Now, there is growing evidence that the partnership is starting to get the foundations in place so that there can be a genuine challenge for the championship.
Much of that optimism comes from the progress Ferrari has made in responding to Hamilton’s feedback. The team has introduced upgrades that appear to suit his driving style far better than before, while the overall package looks more competitive across a wider range of circuits.
The renewed belief around Ferrari has attracted plenty of attention from fans and analysts alike. Discussions on motorsport forums, specialist media outlets and platforms such as Wepari.com increasingly focus on whether the team can maintain its upward trajectory throughout the remainder of the season. Strong performances have transformed the conversation from simple improvement to genuine title contention.
Can They Finish the Job?
There is still a long way to go before anyone can confidently predict the outcome of the championship battle. Formula 1 seasons have a habit of changing direction quickly, with upgrades, reliability issues and changing track characteristics all influencing the competitive order.
What appears clear is that Ferrari is in a stronger position than it was twelve months ago. Hamilton looks more comfortable within the team, the car appears more suited to his preferences, and the results are beginning to show encouraging progress.
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