Lewis Hamilton has admitted he hopes the new technical ruleset coming to Formula 1 in 2026 can inspire a reprieve amid his continued conflict with the current cars.
Hamilton’s Ferrari start hasn’t lived up to the anticipation that accompanied his move as the first five races have delivered the worst average finish of his career (7.25).
The Briton hasn’t beaten team-mate Charles Leclerc outside the Sprint sessions at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he achieved a breakthrough maiden win with Ferrari.
Having come home 31 seconds behind Leclerc in seventh place in Saudi Arabia last weekend, Hamilton expressed that he was poised to endure a “painful” campaign.
There had been a suspicion that Ferrari’s more benign cars would eliminate the woes that Hamilton encountered with the capricious counterparts Mercedes had built.
But with the seven-time F1 champion’s troubles continuing in the SF-25, Hamilton has described the contemporary ground effect era cars as “the worst” he has driven.
However, Hamilton, 40, has professed that he can’t guarantee that the impending wholesale overhaul to the regulations will provide the reversal in fortunes he desires.
When asked whether the new ruleset could encourage a revival, Hamilton responded: “I don’t know anything about next year’s car, if I’m going to be honest.
“I’m not spending any time to think about it.
“Let’s hope [that it will be]. Less ground effect, let’s hope things shift a little bit.”
Hamilton acknowledges Ferrari unhappiness
Hamilton remarked that he required a “brain transplant” to get to grips with Ferrari’s 2025 challenger as he qualified a substantial five-tenths behind Leclerc in Jeddah.
The erstwhile Mercedes driver has acknowledged that his latest results with the Italian marque haven’t matched the collective expectation heading into the campaign.
“I’ve just got to keep on taking a deep breath,” he addressed.
“I know that the fans aren’t happy. I’m sure the team are not happy. I know the bosses are not happy. And I’m not happy with my results.”
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