Ferrari must act to keep Lewis Hamilton motivated as 2026 season looms
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton revealed after the Las Vegas Grand Prix that he is not particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, sparking speculation about his long-term future in the sport. Lewis Hamilton finished 10th on the track in Las Vegas, only to be promoted to P8 after the disqualification of both McLaren drivers.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion appeared visibly downcast after the race, indicating that he is approaching the next season with hesitation. This comes at a critical juncture for Ferrari, as the 2026 regulation changes offer a golden opportunity to challenge McLaren at the top of the Constructors’ Championship and potentially end Ferrari’s long-standing title drought.
Guenther Steiner shares insights on Hamilton’s mindset and F1 future
Guenther Steiner, former team principal of Haas F1, has been analyzing Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and his overall trajectory in Formula 1. Speaking on the Drive to Wynn podcast, Guenther Steiner offered his perspective on what Ferrari must do to ensure the Briton remains engaged and motivated for the upcoming season, rather than walking away prematurely from the sport.
Steiner explained that Hamilton’s current contract runs until the end of 2027, but he believes the Briton’s future in F1 could hinge on how well he adapts to Ferrari’s new 2026 car. According to Guenther Steiner, Hamilton has historically struggled with ground-effect machinery, even during his time at Mercedes, which could explain some of the frustration evident in Las Vegas. Steiner emphasized that next season offers Hamilton a “new opportunity” to rediscover his form and competitiveness.
He highlighted that Lewis Hamilton’s difficulties at Las Vegas—qualifying last and being unable to challenge for pole position—contributed to a sense of disappointment and frustration. Steiner noted that the seven-time F1 world champion is approaching the remaining races with caution, focusing on short-term goals before making decisions about his future in 2027. The former Haas chief stressed that neither Ferrari nor Lewis Hamilton anticipated the level of challenges faced this season, underlining the importance of the team providing the right support going forward.
Ferrari’s preparations for a strong 2026 Formula 1 campaign
As the 2025 season winds down, all ten Formula 1 teams have dedicated significant resources toward their 2026 cars. Teams like Alpine, Aston Martin, and Williams have largely paused development on their 2025 machines to prioritize next year, while Red Bull has balanced short-term championship ambitions with preparations for Max Verstappen’s future campaigns.
Ferrari’s 2026 power unit is a particular area of interest, with early whispers likely contributing to Lewis Hamilton’s cautious outlook. Until the new cars hit the track for pre-season testing, it remains unclear where Ferrari will rank relative to their closest competitors. Lewis Hamilton has already provided his initial impressions of Ferrari’s upcoming car, though the team has remained deliberately reserved about progress.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is tasked with ensuring that lessons from the 2025 season are fully integrated into 2026 preparations. This includes taking inspiration from McLaren’s championship-leading strategies and development approaches, allowing Ferrari to close the gap and give Hamilton the tools he needs to perform at his peak.
Hamilton’s motivation and Ferrari’s next steps
Lewis Hamilton’s enthusiasm for the 2026 Formula 1 season will depend on Ferrari delivering a competitive package and restoring confidence in the car’s capabilities. Guenther Steiner’s observations underline that the team must focus not only on engineering excellence but also on nurturing the Briton’s motivation to ensure he remains fully committed to the Scuderia. With the right combination of technical progress and team support, Ferrari has the potential to reignite Hamilton’s drive and secure strong results in 2026.
Two races remain in 2025, but for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari the real story now is next season. Deliver the winning car Charles Leclerc has waited seven years for and Lewis Hamilton dreamed of when he signed – or watch one of the sport’s greatest talents walk away long before anyone expected.
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