Lewis Hamilton's impact: how he's already influencing Ferrari's 2026 F1 car development
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Lewis Hamilton's preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 season are now in full motion, following his highly anticipated first run in Ferrari colors this past January. The seven-time world champion took to the track at Fiorano, drawing an immense crowd of 3,000 fans who had gathered from the early morning hours just to witness his debut in red. The excitement surrounding his arrival was so overwhelming that the mayor of Maranello had to declare a "state of emergency" in response to the sheer number of supporters expected to flood the town during his initial visit to Ferrari's headquarters.
Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari has generated massive attention, not only because of his pursuit of a historic eighth world title but also due to the uncertainty surrounding whether he can achieve it in 2025. If the title eludes him next season, the 2026 campaign could provide another opportunity—one for which preparations are already well underway, according to a report from the Italian version of the Motorsport website.
How Hamilton's Upcoming Pirelli Tests Will Influence Ferrari's 2026 Car
Hamilton's next opportunity to drive a Ferrari F1 car came at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the team ran a 2023 model under the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations. His session, however, was cut short after an off-track incident that resulted in damage to the car's suspension and bodywork. Fortunately, Lewis Hamilton walked away unscathed. Ferrari had encouraged him to push the car to its limits, helping him get accustomed to its characteristics ahead of the 2025 season.
This week, Lewis Hamilton will be back on track with Ferrari for a crucial Pirelli test in Barcelona, where the Italian tire manufacturer is evaluating prototype concepts for the 2026 season. The upcoming regulation changes will see lighter tires introduced, significantly affecting vehicle handling and overall car performance. According to reports, Lewis Hamilton's feedback on these prototype tires will be of critical importance to Ferrari's technical team, including Loïc Serra, who will be overseeing car development.
Beyond the tire evaluation, the British driver’s involvement in these tests presents another key advantage: the opportunity to refine Ferrari's hybrid powertrain management. Having never driven a Ferrari power unit in his F1 career, this will be a crucial step in his adaptation process, allowing him to provide insights that could shape the team's future performance.
A New Challenge at Ferrari: No More Clear Number-One Status
The Brit’s tenure at the Maranello team will present a stark contrast to his time at Mercedes, where he was the undisputed number-one driver for much of his reign. At Ferrari, however, he enters a team where Charles Leclerc has long been embedded within the organization, having risen through the ranks of their driver academy and even integrating into the team's culture by speaking Italian—an advantage Lewis Hamilton does not yet possess.
Renowned F1 analyst and former Ferrari team manager Peter Windsor has cautioned that Lewis Hamilton won't enjoy the same dynamic he had with Valtteri Bottas, who played a key supporting role during his championship years at Mercedes. Instead, he is expected to face a strong challenge from Leclerc, particularly in qualifying sessions.
However, despite the intra-team rivalry, Sky Sports commentator David Croft has suggested that Hamilton's best shot at an eighth title could come in 2025, given Ferrari's current trajectory in the competitive landscape. Whether he achieves it next season or in 2026, Lewis Hamilton's presence is already influencing the team's future, both on and off the track.
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