Lewis Hamilton wants to lead Ferrari to the world championship, unlike Alonso and Vettel – To this end, he is already pushing for changes internally and calling for new structures
Lewis Hamilton wants to make history with Ferrari and is already laying the groundwork for the 2026 season. The seven-time world champion sees his role not only on the track, but also in the structural realignment of the traditional team from Maranello. Despite a moderately successful 2025 season, he is working with full enthusiasm toward 2026.
With an eye on the 2026 Formula 1 season, which will see new regulations including revised aerodynamics and powertrain technology, Hamilton says he is “going the extra mile.” After switching from Mercedes to Ferrari, the Briton wants to achieve what Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel were unable to do before him: win the first world championship title in a red overalls since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007.
“If you look at the drivers of the last 20 years – Kimi, Fernando, Sebastian – they are all world champions,” said Hamilton. “But neither Fernando nor Sebastian were able to win the title with Ferrari. I refuse to let the same thing happen to me.”
Technical integration and strategic impetus
To prevent this, Hamilton wants to set the tone months before the 2026 rule revolution. Ferrari has been working intensively on the concept for the new car since January. Hamilton has therefore visited the factory in Maranello frequently.
“I’ve been to the factory several times in recent weeks, attended meetings with department heads, and spoken with John Elkann, [CEO] Benedetto Vigna, [head of development] Loic Serra, and [team principal] Frederic Vasseur,” said the 40-year-old.
“I produced a comprehensive document after the first few races and two more during the current break. It’s about the structural changes we need. Another one deals with the difficulties I’m currently having with the car. Things I want to take with me into next year’s car and things that need to be changed.”
Hamilton sat in a room with around 30 engineers for the first presentation of the 2026 concept. “I debriefed each and every one of them. It’s a really big push,” says Hamilton.
“Not yet firing on all cylinders”
The Brit speaks openly about internal weaknesses: “Ferrari is a huge organization with many moving parts. But not all areas are running at full capacity yet – and that’s exactly why the team hasn’t had the success it deserves.” That’s why he sees it as his job to critically question decision-making processes and provide impetus in all areas.
“If you always do the same thing, you get the same results,” says Hamilton. “I’m here to win, and time is against me.”
He is aware of the challenge, but praises the team’s openness to his suggestions. “Ferrari is responding incredibly positively. I’m trying to win allies within the team so that we can break new ground together.”
“I truly believe that Ferrari can win multiple titles in the future. I want to be part of that, and I want to be part of it now.”
