Scuderia Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has yet to demonstrate the level of performance that many in Formula 1 expected from him following his move to the Maranello team.
The British driver currently sits sixth in the drivers’ championship, with the SF25 presenting a host of challenges throughout the season. Maintaining a positive mindset amid these struggles has been difficult for Lewis Hamilton, who admitted feeling “useless” after his disappointing performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Now more than ever, Ferrari need to fully back their seven-time World Champion, particularly as the team looks toward a new chapter under the 2026 F1 regulations. Private decisions within the Scuderia have raised questions about the team’s long-term plans, and analysts such as Ralf Schumacher have suggested that Charles Leclerc is already being treated as Ferrari’s number one driver.
Fourteen races into the season, Ferrari face a critical internal issue: they must address their team culture to ensure future competitiveness and avoid repeating past mistakes. Hamilton’s experience and influence could play a pivotal role in this process.
Ex-Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has previously described Hamilton as a “pillar” of the Silver Arrows, highlighting why Ferrari should not consider giving up on the British driver. Toto Wolff emphasized that Hamilton’s capabilities and influence within the team over six years provided stability during challenging championship campaigns. Removing a driver of his stature, Wolff explained, could have disrupted the team and hindered progress. His reflections underline why Ferrari would benefit from retaining Hamilton’s expertise as they navigate both current challenges and the 2026 transition.
The Briton must avoid a fate similar to Kimi Raikkonen’s, who left Ferrari in 2009 after a dip in performance and admitted to being “very happy” to depart. Ferrari have experimented with aspects of Hamilton’s 2026 car, but they are acutely aware that such gambles do not always yield the desired results—2025 has already provided several lessons in that regard. Here, Hamilton’s wealth of experience becomes invaluable, allowing him to guide the team in the right direction and provide precise feedback on car development and race strategy.
Looking ahead, Lewis Hamilton is seeking to leverage his position within Ferrari to gain greater input on his race strategy, following a path similar to that of other top drivers such as Sebastian Vettel in the past. His ability to influence the project, internally referred to as “678,” will be critical if he is to remain in contention for a potential eighth World Championship.
Even with the option to activate an extension for the 2026 season, Hamilton may be weighing the decision carefully, considering the performance and competitiveness of the car, as well as his own long-term ambitions. At the same time, Ferrari face significant pressure to deliver a strong car, not only to support Hamilton but also to secure the future of star driver Charles Leclerc and maintain the team’s competitive standing.
In this context, Lewis Hamilton’s experience, influence, and leadership are more important than ever. His ability to guide Ferrari through both technical development and strategic challenges could determine the team’s success, making 2026 potentially one of the most pivotal years of his Formula 1 career.
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