Lewis Hamilton is emerging as a central figure in Ferrari’s long-term Formula 1 project: beyond his duties behind the wheel, the seven-time world champion is now actively contributing to the team’s strategic and technical development. Since joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton has prepared extensive analytical reports and offered strategic suggestions to help the Italian team improve not only in the current season but also in preparation for the sweeping regulatory changes coming in 2026. His commitment reaches far beyond his on-track performance and now involves direct collaboration with Ferrari’s senior leadership.
During the summer break between races, the British driver spent several days at the Maranello headquarters, engaging in intensive discussions with key decision-makers across the organisation. “I was at Ferrari’s headquarters for two weeks, a couple of days each time,” Lewis Hamilton explained. “I held several meetings with John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna and Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, as well as with Loïc Serra and the department heads from various technical areas.”
Lewis Hamilton revealed that he submitted multiple detailed documents to the team. “After the first few races of the season, I wrote a comprehensive report. Then, during the summer break, I sent two more documents that addressed critical weaknesses in the car and offered structural recommendations,” he said. These documents covered a wide range of topics, including development plans for the new power unit under the 2026 regulations, as well as evaluations of both the front and rear suspension systems for next season’s car.
Hamilton tests Ferrari’s 2026 F1 car and pushes for progress on the SF-25
Some of his feedback was focused on improving the current SF-25, Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, which has yet to secure a Grand Prix victory this season. “There are definitely issues I want to correct,” Hamilton stated, “but also some valuable concepts that should be carried over into next year’s car. A big part of the work is about reshaping the team’s internal structure to make it more efficient and effective in every department.”
Significantly, Lewis Hamilton has already had his first taste of Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car—albeit virtually. He tested the prototype in the simulator, which is being designed according to the new technical regulations that will dramatically reshape the sport from that season onward. “I found myself sitting in front of thirty engineers for a lengthy debriefing session after the run,” said the British driver. “There’s a tremendous amount of energy and motivation within the team. We are pushing forward, maybe even too aggressively at times.”
Meanwhile, Scuderia Ferrari is set to debut a new suspension package during the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The upgrade has generated great interest from Hamilton, who has already simulated the new components. “In the simulator, the difference wasn’t immediately noticeable,” he commented, “but I’m convinced that on certain circuits we’ll see clear performance gains. We’ll find out starting tomorrow.”
The British driver also expressed satisfaction and relief at seeing real signs of progress from the team. “Finally, we’re seeing new upgrades,” he remarked. “After introducing a revised floor in Bahrain and another in Austria, we’ve had long stretches without any real developments. Meanwhile, other top teams like Red Bull Racing and Mercedes bring updates almost every weekend. It’s encouraging to see that we are now picking up the pace as well.”
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