The Barcelona and Bahrain tests have reignited the debate over which drivers will adapt best to the new 2026 Formula 1 cars, and the early verdict appears to favor Ferrari. With the sweeping technical revolution set to redefine car design, power units, and aerodynamics, the paddock is already speculating about who stands to gain the most from the regulation reset.
During the Up to Speed podcast, David Coulthard, Will Buxton, and Naomi Schiff discussed the potential impact of the 2026 rule changes on today’s Formula 1 grid, with particular attention on one Ferrari driver: Lewis Hamilton.
“Old-school drivers could return to the spotlight”
According to Will Buxton, the new technical regulations could favor drivers who never fully felt comfortable with the latest generation of ground-effect cars. The British journalist strongly defended Lewis Hamilton from the criticism he has faced in recent seasons.
“I hope these new cars can help those more old-school drivers who never really felt at ease with the last generation,” he said. “There are people saying Lewis is finished, that he will never win another race or another world championship. I don’t believe you suddenly lose the abilities that brought you seven titles.”
Buxton emphasized that the drop in performance between 2021 and 2022 cannot be explained simply by age or by a sudden loss of talent. “We saw Lewis go from being the best driver on track to looking like he was struggling within a year. It doesn’t happen like that—you don’t lose your talent overnight. It was the car.”
The interpretation shared by the three journalists therefore seems to favor experienced drivers rather than the newest arrivals on the grid, from Andrea Kimi Antonelli to Oliver Bearman and rookie Arvid Lindblad. Instead of a youth-driven shift, there is hope in some quarters for a resurgence of established champions and seasoned contenders.
In this context, while Fernando Alonso could be limited by a Honda power unit that appears unexpectedly behind some rivals, Lewis Hamilton seems to start from a solid foundation with Ferrari. Beyond the encouraging sensations reported during pre-season testing, however, the real question remains whether the Scuderia can confirm its potential at the Australian Grand Prix and truly give Hamilton a chance at redemption in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The shift toward the 2026 regulations represents a unique chance for veteran champions to prove that their technical feedback and adaptability are more relevant than ever. As the field prepares for the season opener, the narrative is shifting away from the raw speed of the younger generation toward the refined skill sets of drivers, who have conquered multiple eras of the sport. Whether Ferrari can maintain this perceived advantage throughout the long development race of the year will ultimately determine if the “old-school” revival becomes a reality.
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