Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 wet-weather racing has become increasingly cautious, with the seven-time world champion pointing not only to modern safety considerations but also to a different attitude among younger drivers. After rediscovering the thrill of difficult conditions at Sepang, the Ferrari driver explained why racing on instinct still represents one of the purest tests of a driver’s ability, before turning his attention to the very different challenge of the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint weekend.
The rain at Sepang brought back sensations that Lewis Hamilton felt belonged to another era of his career. It was not simply because he recovered positions through the field, but above all because of the pleasure of driving in difficult conditions and relying on instinct and sensitivity. Speaking ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton enthusiastically reflected on that experience and on how much wet-weather racing has changed during his Formula 1 career.
Lewis Hamilton on why F1 wet-weather racing has changed
“When it started raining, I said to myself: ‘Oh yes, now we’re going to have some fun,’” Lewis Hamilton recalled. “I was really looking forward to having the opportunity to battle with Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli, but with the delay and everything that happened, we didn’t get the opportunity.”
Lewis Hamilton did not, however, want to blame race control for what happened on Sunday. “There was an unforeseen problem and I think it was handled in the best possible way. The people making the decisions are trying to make sure everyone is safe.”
His view changes when the discussion broadens to the way wet races are managed in modern Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton believes the championship has gradually lost part of the challenge that once defined racing in the rain. In his view, the difference is not simply about caution, but also about the equipment available to the drivers.
“Wet races aren’t what they used to be. I remember the ones in 2008, when we had more opportunities to test and we had better tyres for the rain, thanks to the development work we could do with Bridgestone.”
There is another factor Lewis Hamilton considers significant: the different attitudes between generations of Formula 1 drivers.
“I think the people running the races today are much more cautious, but the young drivers coming into Formula 1 are also increasingly cautious. We from the old school say: ‘Come on, let’s race!’ A lot of the younger ones, instead, prefer not to. So the people making the decisions receive different feedback and end up being extremely cautious.”
Why Hamilton still embraces the risk of difficult conditions
Lewis Hamilton does not deny that racing in extreme conditions involves greater risk, but he believes those situations allow drivers to demonstrate qualities that can be less obvious on a dry circuit.
“Is it riskier? Absolutely, yes. But those are exactly the conditions in which we can really put ourselves to the test. When you have to drive by relying completely on feeling, sensing the car through your body and reacting instinctively, that’s where you can make the difference.”
Lewis Hamilton directly connected that idea to his race at Sepang, particularly the laps he completed on slick tyres while the track remained treacherous. The difficult tyre decision was one of the defining elements of Ferrari’s Sepang strategy, with conditions demanding constant judgement from the cockpit.
“I was out there on dry tyres in incredibly difficult conditions, but I love that kind of challenge. I think that was exactly the moment when I was able to make the difference.”
The role played by compounds and stint choices can also be explored through the ScuderiaFans F1 Tyre & Stint Analysis, which allows tyre strategies and stint patterns to be compared across a Grand Prix weekend.
Sepang recovery brought back Hamilton’s karting memories
The recovery also reminded Lewis Hamilton of the earliest years of his career, when talent had to compensate for a lack of competitive machinery.
“I had so much fun. It reminded me of when I was a kid racing karts. My first kart was fifth-hand, completely bent, and I was basically always starting from the back of the grid. I had to work my way through the field. This race brought me back to those moments.”
Lewis Hamilton nevertheless also criticised one characteristic of the current power units, particularly the loss of power that can occur towards the end of the straights.
“It’s something we hope will be changed over the next few years, because we should never find ourselves in that situation.”
Ferrari faces a very different Singapore Sprint challenge
With Sepang behind him, Lewis Hamilton is now preparing for a completely different test at Marina Bay. Singapore hosts a Sprint weekend, meaning Ferrari will have only one free practice session in which to find the ideal car balance. The restricted running makes Ferrari’s Singapore Sprint challenge especially demanding on a circuit where confidence and setup can be crucial.
Lewis Hamilton approaches the situation with curiosity despite recognising the difficulties Ferrari has encountered during the season. There are nevertheless reasons for optimism heading into Marina Bay, with the Briton having already identified several encouraging factors for Ferrari in Singapore.
“Generally, we manage to start quite well, also thanks to the excellent work of our simulator group. Then, though, session after session, some of our rivals get closer.”
With so little track time available, Ferrari’s initial preparation could therefore become even more important. Fans can also check the complete 2026 Singapore Grand Prix Sprint, qualifying and race schedule for the full Marina Bay weekend programme.
“We only have one hour, but everyone is in the same situation. It could go well or it could go badly. It’s an exciting challenge.”
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