Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton opened up during the FIA press conference about how his approach with the Maranello team has evolved. The British driver is now much more involved in development, revealing behind-the-scenes details about Ferrari engineers who have listened to his requests and are working to implement them all. Could his first victory in red be approaching?
Hamilton’s relationship with Ferrari took a strange turn in 2025. The Brit struggled to perform, and the team suffered multiple setbacks. Ferrari’s own car project that year had been underwhelming. Now, there’s a new spirit in Maranello, with confidence flowing through the team. The SF-26 reflects all the winter and recent development efforts. Together with Charles Leclerc in China, #44 delivered a spectacular battle against the Mercedes cars. While a gap still exists, Lewis feels the Scuderia can return to the top. After his first podium, is a win next?
Hamilton: “I feel truly back at my best, mentally and physically”
“First win with Ferrari close? I can honestly say it’s closer than ever. Last year, it seemed out of reach. But as you saw in qualifying yesterday, we were a bit closer to them, though in race setup, I think they are currently four or five tenths ahead. It’s a huge gap to close, both in terms of aerodynamic load and efficiency, as well as power. It’s a significant improvement we absolutely need to make. But I really believe in everyone in Maranello, and I’m convinced this isn’t an impossible challenge. So yes, Forza Ferrari, we just need to keep fighting.”
Lewis Hamilton appeared energized and shared some behind-the-scenes insights on his winter training and the positive changes within his team.
“I truly feel back at my best, mentally and physically, yes. I believe there’s still room for improvement. This winter’s training has been the hardest and most intense I’ve ever undertaken. Probably due to age: recovery takes longer. But I’ve been able to make the most of these new capacities. I have a new excellent coach, whom I had already been working with, but officially since Christmas we’ve collaborated more closely. And then, at the factory, the arrival of a new engineer has obviously been a huge advantage. The atmosphere within the team is excellent.”
The relationship with Carlo Santi is extremely positive, and only later will it be decided if Michael Grosjean will become Lewis Hamilton’s new race engineer. The SF-26 is also a result of his work and feedback, reflecting a renewed mentality.
“As I said, on Christmas Day I decided how to approach this season. I defined my mental approach and will continue to refine it. I’m convinced there’s still potential. I think I can get more from this car. I’m still learning to understand it, especially in component development. Toward the end of last year, I worked closely with engineers to share my expectations on a car whose development I hadn’t been involved in the previous year, so that I could develop it together with them this year.”
“The fact that the engineers considered my requests and incorporated some of them makes me extremely grateful. I’m very thankful to them for listening. This strengthens the sense of unity within the team, as we are all moving in the same direction. I can’t wait to return to Maranello next week, see everyone again, and give my best,” Lewis Hamilton concluded at the end of the Chinese Grand Prix.
The SF-26 therefore represents a turning point for the Maranello team, blending Lewis Hamilton’s vast experience with a responsive technical department. If this trajectory continues, the “Red Dream” of a World Championship challenge may become a reality sooner than the critics expected at the start of the year.
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