Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the most talked-about transfers in modern Formula 1 history. However, after arriving in Maranello amid huge expectations, the seven-time world champion has yet to consistently display the dominance that defined his Mercedes era. Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley believes there are two fundamental reasons why Lewis Hamilton has not looked fully comfortable in red.
The 2025 Formula 1 season proved to be a difficult transition period for Lewis Hamilton. Adjusting to Ferrari’s car philosophy, operational structure and technical processes after more than a decade at Mercedes was never going to be straightforward. The Briton endured his toughest campaign statistically, struggling to extract peak performance from a package that often appeared unpredictable at the rear and sensitive to setup changes.
As Lewis Hamilton now prepares for his second season with the Scuderia, Ferrari have introduced several internal adjustments designed to improve stability and communication. One of the most notable changes involves his race engineering team. Riccardo Adami, who worked closely with Lewis Hamilton during his first year at Ferrari, has been reassigned within the organisation, with Cedric Michel-Grosjean expected to take over race engineer duties. The aim is to streamline feedback loops and accelerate adaptation heading into the 2026 F1 season.
Hybrid-era characteristics and cultural differences highlighted
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Rob Smedley analysed Lewis Hamilton’s challenges from both a technical and cultural standpoint. Drawing on conversations within the paddock and his own experience at Ferrari, Smedley indicated that Lewis Hamilton has appeared less naturally comfortable in the hybrid era compared to the earlier phases of his championship-winning career.
Smedley suggested that since the introduction of hybrid power units, Lewis Hamilton’s teammates have gradually closed the performance gap, implying that the current generation of cars does not align as perfectly with his instinctive driving style as previous machinery did. When the Briton switched from Mercedes to Ferrari, the sport was still operating under the same technical generation, meaning that many of the characteristics he had found challenging remained present.
The second major factor identified by Rob Smedley concerns the significant environmental shift. Ferrari, according to Smedley, operates in a very distinct way compared to other teams. While Mercedes had evolved around Lewis Hamilton over 12 seasons, shaping processes and communication channels to suit his preferences, Ferrari possesses a long-established internal culture with deeply embedded traditions and methods.
Smedley explained that differences in weekend preparation, car setup philosophy, technical procedures and operational workflows can create an adjustment period for any driver joining the Scuderia. At Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton had complete familiarity and confidence within a system tailored to his needs. At Ferrari, he entered an environment built on over a century of racing heritage, where systems were not originally structured around him. That contrast, Smedley implied, can naturally feel unsettling.
Encouraging signs alongside Charles Leclerc
Despite the turbulence of 2025, there are growing indications that Lewis Hamilton is beginning to settle into Ferrari’s rhythm. Pre-season testing ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign has offered reasons for optimism. During running in Bahrain, Charles Leclerc expressed satisfaction with the team’s level of preparation compared to the previous year, signalling improved organisation and development direction from Maranello.
Observers have also noted that Lewis Hamilton appears more at ease behind the wheel of the latest Ferrari machinery. Ferrari ambassador Marc Gene has indicated that Lewis Hamilton has made progress in adapting his driving style to suit the Scuderia’s aerodynamic balance and power delivery characteristics. Improved confidence under braking and greater stability through medium- and high-speed corners have been particularly encouraging signs.
The upcoming season opener at the Albert Park circuit in Australia will provide the first true benchmark of Ferrari’s competitiveness and Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation. Entering the campaign with renewed confidence represents a significant step forward compared to last year’s uncertainty. However, results will ultimately define the narrative.
A pivotal year for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari
For Lewis Hamilton, the immediate objective remains clear: securing his first podium finish in Ferrari colours. For Ferrari, the priority is ensuring that both the Briton and his Maranello teammate have a car capable of consistently challenging at the front of the grid.
If Rob Smedley’s assessment proves accurate, then improved technical alignment and deeper cultural integration could unlock the performance that many expected when Lewis Hamilton made his high-profile switch to Maranello. The 2026 Formula 1 season may therefore represent not just a new chapter, but a decisive one in the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari.
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