Lewis Hamilton Poised for ‘Vintage’ Comeback in 2026 as Ferrari Targets Redemption After Nightmare 2025

By Motorsports Desk January 22, 2026

Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for what could be one of the most anticipated redemption stories in recent memory. The seven-time world champion, now in his second season with Scuderia Ferrari, has hinted at a potential return to peak form in 2026—if the team delivers the crucial “incentives” and upgrades needed to unlock his full potential. Former F1 technical director Ross Brawn recently backed the idea, stating that with the right package, fans could witness a “vintage” Hamilton dominating the grid once more.

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First Look: Lewis Hamilton And Charles Leclerc Unveil 2025 …

Hamilton’s 2025 debut in red was widely described as a “horror” and “nightmare” by the driver himself. After a blockbuster move from Mercedes, expectations soared for the 41-year-old to claim an eighth world title and end Ferrari’s long constructors’ championship drought. Instead, the season delivered heartbreak: no Grand Prix podiums—the first time in his 18-year career—multiple qualifying exits in Q1, strategy blunders, and a car that often felt unbalanced and unforgiving. Hamilton finished sixth in the drivers’ standings with 156 points, while teammate Charles Leclerc secured seven podiums but no wins. Ferrari slumped to fourth in the constructors’ championship, their worst since 2020.

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Lewis Hamilton driving a Ferrari F1 car for the first time: 2025 ‘Wake-Up Test’ at Fiorano Circuit!

The SF-25 car’s sensitivity to ride height changes led to disqualifications and conservative setups that hampered performance. Early promise flickered with Hamilton’s dominant Sprint win in Shanghai—the team’s only victory of the year—but the momentum faded amid persistent technical issues. Hamilton openly called parts of the season “painful” and admitted feeling “unbearable anger and rage” after late-season struggles, including repeated Q1 eliminations. For the first time since joining Ferrari in decades, a high-profile newcomer completed a full campaign without a podium finish.

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Lewis Hamilton driving the Ferrari SF-24 : r/formula1

Behind the scenes, changes are already underway. Ferrari confirmed Riccardo Adami’s departure as Hamilton’s race engineer for 2026, signaling a fresh approach to optimize teamwork and communication. Hamilton has emphasized learning from 2025’s setbacks, suggesting personnel shifts and better utilization of resources to “optimize our teamwork.” The 2026 regulations—featuring lighter cars, new power units without MGU-H, and increased MGU-K output—represent a major reset, one Hamilton believes could suit his driving style after branding the 2022-era cars the “worst generation” he’s driven.

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Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc show off new Ferrari F1 2026 …

Brawn, who once led Ferrari, highlighted the importance of “incentives”—likely referring to car characteristics, setup flexibility, and team support—that align with Hamilton’s strengths: precision, tire management, and racecraft honed over years of dominance. If Ferrari nails the new regs, Brawn predicts a resurgence. Hamilton’s multi-year deal keeps him committed, and his post-season digital detox and birthday reflections (calling 2026 the “Year of the Horse”) suggest renewed focus and hunger.

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Lewis Hamilton calls out ‘yapping’ critics after clinching Sprint …

The F1 world is buzzing with speculation: Could this be Hamilton’s path to an unprecedented eighth title? Ferrari’s bold early pivot to 2026 development in 2025 now looks strategic, positioning them for a potential leap forward. Fans are already imagining podium sweeps, record laps, and the iconic red car leading the pack. Hamilton’s experience, combined with Ferrari’s engineering prowess and the regulation shake-up, sets the stage for high drama.

As pre-season testing looms, all eyes are on Maranello. 2025 was a recalibration; 2026 could be legendary. Whether it’s total redemption or continued challenges, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter is far from over—and the sport is better for it.