P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why F1’s 2026 rules reset could be a game changer for Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton will be pleased that the ground-effect era in Formula 1 is coming to an end. The period from 2022-2025 has been one of his least successful in F1, with only two Grand Prix victories and a notable drop in performance, especially in qualifying.
2025 was particularly challenging for Hamilton, marking his worst F1 season yet with no podium finishes, lagging behind teammate Charles Leclerc, and multiple Q1 exits.
Although some have speculated about his decline and retirement, it may be premature to conclude that Hamilton, now with Ferrari, is past his prime. The upcoming 2026 season, with new car regulations, will give a clearer indication of his current standing in the sport.
Changes in the car design, with a departure from venturi tunnels and a focus on flatter floor designs, could work in Hamilton’s favor. This shift may reduce ride-height sensitivity, an issue that affected Hamilton in his final years at Mercedes and at Ferrari in 2025.
Experts believe that the 2026 cars could suit Hamilton’s driving style better, as the emphasis on late-braking and hard corner entries could see an improvement in his performance. Despite his struggles adapting to the ground-effect cars, Hamilton’s fans and observers have reasons to be optimistic about his prospects in the upcoming season.
