Lewis Hamilton’s debut Formula 1 season with Ferrari has been anything but smooth, but Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has backed his fortunes to improve.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for 2025 was seen as the beginning of a new golden chapter. It looked like a chance for both the driver and team to return to the sharp end.
So far, that promise hasn’t been fulfilled. His Sprint victory in China remains a rare highlight, while his best Grand Prix finish to date is fourth place with six races to go.
The seven-time World Champion has faced technical trouble, poor communication, and mounting frustration since departing Mercedes to move to the Italian marque.
Still, Briatore believes a resurgence is coming as he tipped Hamilton to re-emerge as a front-runner with Ferrari once the next generation of F1 cars arrive next season.
“Next year,” Briatore told Radio Rai, “everything will change. Sooner or later, he’ll solve the problems
“He’s a very good person, but F1 is very complicated today, with seven cars within two tenths of a second. This year, the only truly competitive team is McLaren.”
“Next year, everything will change, and we’ll be fighting for the podium too. You’ll see, with the new cars, Hamilton will be back in the fight for victory; he’s always great.”
Briatore changes his mind
Interestingly, Briatore’s view of Hamilton has shifted over time. In January, he questioned whether Ferrari’s decision to bring him in was the right one.
“Ferrari had two top drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz,” he told Sport Bila. “I don’t understand why this great duo was torn apart.
“It is not my job to pass judgement, but if I had been in a position of responsibility at Ferrari, I would not have contracted Lewis.”
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the standings, far from the title fight.
But if Briatore’s prediction proves correct, the 2026 regulation shake-up could hand the Briton one final chance to reclaim his place at the front of the grid.
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