Lewis Hamilton says he is working closely with Ferrari’s technical team to help shape the direction of their 2026 Formula 1 car, as the seven-time world champion continues to battle with a difficult debut campaign at Maranello.
After making the high-profile switch from Mercedes, Hamilton has yet to reach the podium for Ferrari and remains behind teammate Charles Leclerc in the Drivers’ Championship. While Leclerc has claimed four top-three finishes, Hamilton has struggled to find comfort behind the wheel of the SF-25—a car he described as having fundamental issues with balance and driveability.
Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Hamilton admitted he is now pushing for major changes in the next-generation Ferrari. “I’m working with Loïc Serra and everyone at the factory to make sure next year’s car has some of my DNA in it,” he said. “There are characteristics in this car that just don’t work for me, and I don’t want to carry them forward.”
Ferrari’s 2025 challenger has shown flashes of competitiveness, especially during practice and qualifying sessions in dry conditions. At Silverstone, both drivers were in the mix for pole, but mixed weather in the race exposed the car’s limitations. Hamilton managed to match his season-best result of fourth, while Leclerc endured a miserable afternoon, finishing 14th.
Despite falling short of the podium, Hamilton viewed the weekend as a step forward. “In practice I felt much more comfortable, and in qualifying we were right there,” he said. “There’s a lot we can take away from a race like this, even if the result wasn’t ideal. It gives me clarity on what needs to change.”
The British driver acknowledged Leclerc’s advantage in familiarity with the team’s development process, noting the Monegasque has been instrumental in shaping the car’s current setup. “Charles has been part of this project for a long time and he’s found a way to make the car work,” Hamilton explained. “I’ve explored different directions, and while they should have worked on paper, they haven’t in practice. I’ve now moved closer to Charles’ setup and we were more aligned last weekend—but the car still doesn’t feel right to me.”
Hamilton has made it clear that comfort and confidence in the cockpit are non-negotiable as Ferrari begins early work on its 2026 contender. With no podiums yet and his transition period dragging on longer than expected, the former Mercedes star appears determined to take a hands-on approach to ensure the team builds a car that allows him to compete at the front once again.
As Ferrari continue to assess their performance mid-season, Hamilton’s technical feedback could prove critical—not only in salvaging the remainder of the 2025 campaign but in laying the foundation for a more competitive future.
