Lewis Hamilton Urges Ferrari to Prioritize 2026 Over Current Struggles

Lewis Hamilton has advised Ferrari to shift its focus towards the 2026 season to avoid repeating the mistakes that affected Mercedes during his final years with the team. Hamilton’s current season is shaping up to be challenging, with the possibility of finishing sixth, marking the third time in four years he has missed a top-five position. Until 2022, Hamilton had only finished as low as fifth once in his career, a stark contrast to his previous dominance.

During his tenure at Mercedes, Hamilton secured six out of seven championships, with only Nico Rosberg disrupting his run in 2016. Despite the intense rivalry, Hamilton showcased his adaptability and skill. However, reliability problems began to hinder his championship aspirations, leading to disappointing results in his final seasons at the team. Now, as he embarks on his first year with Ferrari, the initial signs are not promising.

Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, is urged to heed Hamilton’s insights as they navigate a difficult year. A recent report from Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica suggests that Ferrari’s strategy for the remainder of the 2025 season may require significant reconsideration. With limited signs of recovery, the team faces an uphill battle, even as a second-place finish in the constructors’ standings remains a possibility.

Ferrari’s struggles have been evident throughout the season, particularly as they find themselves at risk of falling behind competitors like McLaren, who could secure the title as early as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Engineers within the team have expressed frustration over a rear suspension update that has not met expectations, further complicating their efforts.

Hamilton has taken an active role in providing feedback to Ferrari, highlighting areas for improvement. His experience has led him to advocate for a strategic pivot towards the 2026 regulations, a move he believes is crucial for the team’s future competitiveness. In contrast, teams such as Williams, Aston Martin, and Alpine have been focused on preparing for the upcoming regulatory changes, while Ferrari continues to develop the current SF-25 model.

The urgency of Hamilton’s advice is underscored by the report’s findings, which indicate that any late-season victories are unlikely to alter the overall trajectory of the team. As the season progresses, Vasseur must weigh the potential benefits of short-term gains against the long-term vision Hamilton is promoting.

Reflecting on his time at Mercedes, Hamilton recounted moments of frustration when his input was overlooked. In a candid discussion on the Netflix series Drive to Survive, he recounted a conversation where he urged the team to make necessary changes. “I remember complaining to the team and being like, ‘Look, we have to make these changes, otherwise this is the trajectory we’re going to go on,’” he said. “Please, please do something about it.”

This experience has led Hamilton to be vocal about his views on Ferrari’s 2025 car, as he works diligently behind the scenes to ensure that the Scuderia avoids the same pitfalls he encountered at Mercedes. It remains to be seen whether Vasseur will embrace Hamilton’s counsel and steer Ferrari towards a more promising future as they prepare for the evolving landscape of Formula One.