Lewis Hamilton has made significant contributions to the development of Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car after joining the team in 2025 following a successful 12-year tenure with Mercedes. Despite initial struggles last year, Hamilton has bounced back in the 2026 season, securing his first podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. In an interview with F1 ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed his satisfaction with the team’s positive energy and collaborative work ethos. He revealed that he played a substantial role in the development of the new F1 car by providing feedback through simulator testing. Hamilton praised the implementation of his suggestions in the car’s design and emphasized his enjoyment of driving the vehicle. Adjusting to Ferrari, led by Fred Vasseur, has been a challenging but rewarding experience for Hamilton, who highlighted the complexity of transitioning to a new team and adapting to different working methods. He also mentioned the team’s learnings from the previous year, where they were unable to develop the car, leading to valuable insights that are now being applied to improve performance this season. Hamilton’s involvement and impact on Ferrari’s 2026 F1 car showcase his commitment to the team’s success and his contributions to their competitive edge in the championship.
Lewis Hamilton: Role in Developing Ferrari’s 2026 F1 Machine





