How much of Ferrari’s resurgence is down to Lewis Hamilton? Experts weigh in. Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari victory in Barcelona has reignited debate over his influence inside the Scuderia.

With his victory in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton secured his first triumph in Ferrari colours more than a year after making his debut for the Scuderia. Following the difficult 2025 season, few expected such a remarkable comeback from the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, prompting fresh discussion about how much credit the Briton deserves for Ferrari’s resurgence.

Hamilton’s success in Spain came exactly thirty years after Michael Schumacher claimed his first Ferrari victory at the same circuit. After a challenging period that left many questioning whether the British driver could return to the top, the Barcelona Grand Prix provided a powerful answer.

At last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton appeared to be approaching the end of a legendary career. Rarely had the seven-time world champion looked so discouraged, with retirement seemingly becoming a realistic possibility. Yet through determination and resilience, the British driver managed to rebuild himself and return to the front as only a true champion can. Whether this marks the beginning of a second sporting youth for Sir Lewis remains to be seen.

The combination of factors behind Hamilton’s revival

Following the race, engineer Luigi Mazzola analysed Lewis Hamilton’s journey throughout the 2026 season and highlighted the significance of understanding what it means to drive for Ferrari.

“I think this year’s situation made him fully aware of what it means to drive a Ferrari. I spent many years in that company, and I can tell you that wearing that uniform and driving that car gives a driver something extra. Last year he was comparing everything to his previous experience at Mercedes, where he won everything. Ferrari is different—you can feel it. And when you start winning and performing well, you realise it is something completely different.”

“Today we saw that through his emotions and his reaction after the race. He has now understood what it means to drive a Ferrari. It is not a Mercedes, it is not a McLaren, it is something entirely different.”

Did Hamilton help shape the SF-26?

Speaking on Race Anatomy, journalist Umberto Zapelloni also shared his view on the Briton’s growing influence within Ferrari.

“Last year he had not fully understood where he had arrived, and the team had not fully understood the impact Lewis could have inside the organisation. Those dossiers probably helped, and at the end of the day he certainly provided some important indications on this car.”

“Today the team celebrated together and showed that it is following Lewis. In return, he thanked everyone, both those working in Maranello and those working at the track.”

Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari victory therefore represents more than just a race win. It may also be evidence that the relationship between driver and team has matured significantly, with Ferrari increasingly embracing the experience, feedback and leadership of one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.

Whether that partnership can ultimately deliver a world championship remains to be seen, but Barcelona offered perhaps the clearest sign yet that both Hamilton and Ferrari are moving in the right direction together.