Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 Car “DNA” for 2026.

Now past the midpoint of the 2025 Formula 1 schedule, consideration is largely on blueprints for the coming season and the rules revision – with Lewis Hamilton keen on imparting his distinct “style” to the upcoming Ferrari vehicle. But what precisely does he have in mind?

The period between the British Grand Prix and the Belgian GP offers a perfect chance to assess both the immediate and the long-term, notably with one of the most significant technological transformations in the championship’s history looming. These two elements inevitably connect: the present and the future might seem distant, yet they’re united by a shared sense of progression, knowledge, and advancement.

At Ferrari, this connection is evident in the necessity to enhance a season that hasn’t yet achieved its goals, recognizing that the efforts made now and in the approaching months will establish the base for the 2026 car. Development isn’t fully advanced yet, but it’s at a pivotal stage where core design decisions are being determined.

As is typical with any new project, the F1 2026 preparations suggest that it is a time to enhance the present and to also commence making an impact on what’s to come, both on a technological scale and in terms of methodology. Every driver has a wealth of experience that can serve as a valuable tool, particularly coming from a team that has been at the forefront for an extended period.

Addressing Irregularities in the Current Ferrari Vehicle

Hamilton’s 2025 season has shown inconsistencies, partly due to a disconnection with the car. And it’s from these drawbacks – both regarding engineering and overall feel – that the seven-time world champion aims to mold his contribution to the 2026 Ferrari, openly communicating a wish to instill his own “style” into the project.

Certain issues arise from inherent aspects of the vehicle that need evaluation to discover performance enhancements. Others are more closely linked to specifics that become clear as they adapt to a new setting. It’s a typical occurrence, as observed with Carlos Sainz at Williams and Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber, who requested adjustments to the power steering and throttle.

Ferrari SF-24 steering wheel

Photo by: Ferrari

Since his introduction to Ferrari, power steering is an area Hamilton has given considerable attention to. Besides what was noticed post-Silverstone – which could be tied to needing to revise the steering setup after a suspension structure change – the British racer has requested precise modifications according to individual requirements and difficulties in adapting that become obvious during track sessions.

It’s vital to differentiate between structural issues impacting both racers and personal needs relating to individual perception. Steering configuration, specifically, tends to be rather personal: each driver possesses preferences that usually come to the surface, particularly when transitioning between teams and experiencing differing lateral forces while driving.

These specifics build upon the existing challenges of the SF-25, a vehicle that often struggles to find balance. That’s the reason Charles Leclerc has been inclined towards radical setup solutions, especially with how he utilizes the front section and adjusts at the rear. Hamilton has explored various methods to adapt, some more successful than others, and has commenced aligning more closely with the Monegasque’s strategies.

“Charles and the team discovered an approach to make the vehicle function. I tested all the other methods that should, theoretically, be effective, but for some unknown reason, they weren’t. Consequently, I’ve gradually moved nearer to how Charles arranges the vehicle,” Hamilton mentioned. “Last week [in Austria] was when I came closest, and our race speed was also quite similar. Nevertheless, it remains challenging. It’s a delicate equilibrium, and the driving isn’t comfortable.”

Nonetheless, these modifications have improved his speed during qualifying, decreasing the distance to his teammate, although race pace is still affected, particularly when tire grip lessens.

Certain problems cannot be resolved with setup modifications alone, like the feel in high-speed bends, which represents a difficulty Hamilton has encountered throughout the entire season. This instability must be regulated, most especially in limited, high-speed bends where confidence and steering precision are vital.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Erik Junius

Predictably, Hamilton has emphasized steadiness as a part that needs refinement, both in the present and in future designs.

“Charles has been operating with a vehicle that exhibits slight oversteering, and this strategy has worked successfully,” as stated by Ferrari’s deputy team principal, Jerome d’Ambrosio. “In recent times, Lewis has followed this approach and is achieving results. I believe it’s caused by the latest regulations. We’re noticing unsteadiness at the point of entry into bends. These vehicles are sensitive, and racers must partially learn how to manage this.”

There are distinct engineering problems restricting Leclerc, such as concerns regarding the front section in slower bends. The longer and more streamlined the bend, the greater the SF-25 inclines toward understeering at the front. In more abrupt bends, a few of these problems are lessened, as seen in Austria. This complicates efforts to find a balanced solution.

Seeking an Expanded Operational Range

Certain aspects can be enhanced in the short run, but other parts demand more time – especially with 2026 in view. The goal is not to necessarily focus on one distinct area, but to foster greater operating versatility. For instance, since the year started, Hamilton has drawn attention to concerns related to the brakes and engine braking, which he considers too forceful. In Mercedes vehicles, these components were smoother – a variation that’s difficult to rectify via steering wheel adjustments, specifically for a racer who prefers to use trail braking when going into bends.

During the development of a vehicle, engineers consistently aim to boost performance through design to satisfy pre-set goals concerning downforce and drag. That’s why vehicles aren’t constructed around a specific racer. Instead, input from the racer assists in pinpointing areas that would benefit from increased versatility – generalized concepts that act as guidelines rooted in expertise.

This is where Hamilton seeks to incorporate his individual “style” into the 2026 Ferrari, not solely regarding technical matters but in terms of work practices too. With consideration to the tight schedule, factory racers typically assess the vehicle for the coming year in the simulator relatively late, unless there’s a substantial regulation alteration. If that is the case, comments are received sooner, but mostly at a conceptual level.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Peter Fox / Getty Images

“We pay attention to the racers’ opinions. Not from one racer exclusively, but both. It’s often interesting, because when factory meetings occur, it’s common that racers make equivalent requests, on a conceptual level, about what they require from the vehicle,” d’Ambrosio noted while at Silverstone.

“We attempt to consider that. Naturally, part of development is merely about delivering a package that optimizes downforce and performance. However, there’s a substantial amount that could be performed to equip the racers with the correct equipment and settings to operate, and ensure they could adapt the vehicle to their driving approach to the fullest extent possible.

“There are two distinct stages, and I don’t believe they’re completely separate. Typically, there are overarching balances present in the vehicle that produce performance. Subsequently, there’s a second phase that involves detailed elements – a phase during which you need to completely listen to the racers.”