Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi has publicly defended Lewis Hamilton following criticism directed at the British driver during his early period with Ferrari in the 2026 Formula 1 campaign. According to Alesi, the negative reactions surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s performances were not justified, especially given the complexity of adapting to a completely new team environment after a long and successful career at Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season was one of the most significant driver transfers in modern motorsport history. The switch generated huge global attention, with expectations that the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion would immediately form a title-contending partnership with Charles Leclerc and help bring Ferrari back to the top of the sport.
While Lewis Hamilton initially showed strong potential with a Sprint victory in China, his adaptation phase quickly became more challenging. Over the course of the season, consistency proved difficult to maintain, particularly in comparison to Charles Leclerc, who finished significantly ahead in the championship standings. Lewis Hamilton ultimately ended the season in sixth place, trailing his Maranello teammate by 86 points.
Jean Alesi rejects harsh criticism of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari performance
Speaking in an interview with RacingNews365, Jean Alesi argued that criticism of Lewis Hamilton during his first Ferrari campaign was excessive and failed to take into account the natural difficulties of adapting to a new car, new engineering structure, and new working philosophy inside Ferrari.
Jean Alesi emphasized that even for a driver of Lewis Hamilton’s calibre, maintaining consistent comfort over a long Formula 1 season is extremely demanding. He explained that elite performance is not only about raw speed, but also about integration within the team and confidence in the machinery.
When asked whether the Briton still possesses the competitive fire that defined his career, Jean Alesi responded positively, stating that the Ferrari driver remains fully capable of contributing at a high level. He also pointed out that winning seven Formula 1 World Championships is evidence of an enduring elite mindset.
Jean Alesi further noted that Lewis Hamilton is still in a phase of helping to shape a broader Ferrari project, which naturally requires time. However, he acknowledged that long seasons make it difficult for any driver to remain at peak emotional and physical condition throughout the year.
Addressing media reactions, Jean Alesi stated that certain sections of the Italian press were overly harsh in their assessment of Lewis Hamilton, describing those criticisms as unfair. He reinforced his view by highlighting competitive flashes from Lewis Hamilton earlier in the season, including performances in China and Melbourne, as proof that the British driver remains highly competitive.
Ferrari development battle crucial for SF-26 competitiveness
Looking ahead in the 2026 Formula 1 season, Jean Alesi stressed that Ferrari’s long-term success will depend heavily on the development trajectory of the SF-26 car. While Ferrari have made progress and appear more competitive than in previous years, they are still operating slightly behind the leading pace set by Mercedes.
At the top of the current pecking order, Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have established strong early momentum, putting additional pressure on Ferrari’s development programme. However, Jean Alesi warned that the situation is far from settled, as Formula 1 development races often shift dramatically over the course of a season.
He also highlighted that McLaren remain a major threat, especially given their continuity in power unit performance and recent championship success. With a stable technical base and consistent race pace, McLaren are expected to remain strong competitors in the development war.
Finally, Jean Alesi reminded observers not to underestimate Red Bull, particularly with Max Verstappen still capable of delivering exceptional performances regardless of car balance. In his view, Verstappen’s presence alone ensures that Red Bull cannot be ruled out of any Formula 1 title fight.
Overall, Jean Alesi concluded that the Formula 1 2026 season will be defined not only by driver performance, but also by which team can execute the most effective development path. For Ferrari, the collaboration between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will remain central to their ambitions of returning to championship-winning form.
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