Formula 1 has entered a new era, with the cars having been completely overhauled from this season onwards. The previous generation of machinery was never fully appreciated by the British driver, who now has a genuine opportunity to rediscover a stronger connection and better feeling with his car. Lewis Hamilton’s 2026 campaign will largely depend on the performance level of Ferrari, but Jenson Button is hopeful that the #44 can return to winning ways with the Scuderia.
The Barcelona test sessions certainly provided some encouraging scenarios for Ferrari. Across the laps completed, no significant reliability issues emerged, and that alone represents a positive sign for the Maranello-based team. The project appears to be built on a solid foundation, even if clear performance benchmarks are still missing. The first real indications regarding the pace of the SF-26 will come from the sessions in Bahrain, although it will still be too early to fully understand the competitive order within the Formula 1 grid.
Button hopes for Lewis’ revival in 2026
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jenson Button shared his feelings about former team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari as they look ahead to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The two British drivers shared the McLaren garage for three seasons, and Button reaffirmed the greatness of a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion such as Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton’s first year in Maranello was certainly not a positive one: “It was difficult to watch Lewis struggle with the team in 2025 and you could see on his face how much it hurt. I think that with the new regulation change we will see Hamilton return to his best form,” Jenson Button stated.
The foundations for this season are undoubtedly different compared to 2025. The mood surrounding this campaign is not the same, with Lewis Hamilton expected to have a more influential role in shaping the development direction required to bring Ferrari back to winning ways. “He will have input into how the car is designed and he will be confident that the project will go in the right direction for him. We want to see Ferrari at the front and everyone wants to see Lewis fighting for victories again. An eighth title? With the new rules, anything is possible. I hope to see Ferrari at the front, it is too important a part of Formula 1,” Jenson Button added.
The spectre of retirement from Formula 1
Button also responded to a question regarding Hamilton’s future in Formula 1. Much will depend on the performance of the SF-26 and on how comfortable the #44 feels with this new generation of cars. Age is certainly a factor, but in situations like this, determination and motivation also play a fundamental role.
Reflecting on the possibility of retirement should difficulties persist in 2026, Jenson Button said: “I think it’s possible. He is still young, Fernando is still racing, but I think it’s important for us athletes to understand that there is a life outside of sport. I believe he could go on to do something else in life and be very successful.”
As the 2026 season begins, the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari remains the biggest talking point in the paddock. Whether the new regulations will truly unlock the potential Button expects or lead to a career crossroads for the champion is a story that will unfold lap by lap starting this week in Bahrain.
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