Bottas Attributes Hamilton's Ferrari Revival to Car 'DNA' Shift

Valtteri Bottas has offered a compelling theory for Lewis Hamilton's return to winning ways at Ferrari, arguing that the seven-time world champion never lost his ability but has finally found a car with "a bit of his DNA in it." After a winless, podium-free 2025 campaign at Maranello raised questions about his future, Hamilton has stormed back in 2026 with victory in Barcelona and multiple podiums.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's slump last season fueled widespread speculation that age and a move away from Mercedes had dulled his competitive edge. Bottas, who spent five seasons as Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes and knows his driving better than most, insists the turnaround proves the issue was never the driver. His assessment reframes the narrative around Hamilton's Ferrari tenure and highlights how critical car philosophy is to unlocking a world champion's potential.

The details:

• Bottas believes the current generation of F1 cars suits Hamilton's style more than previous machinery, suggesting it is the first car to truly carry elements of his preferred design philosophy.
• Hamilton endured a difficult 2025 season at Ferrari, failing to score a podium in his debut year with the Scuderia before bouncing back with strong showings in 2026.
• The Briton secured his maiden Ferrari victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and has added three more podium finishes since, looking "back to his near best" according to Bottas.
• Bottas noted that Hamilton appeared "really hard on himself" during last year's struggles but now seems "in a good place" mentally as the results have returned.

Between the lines:

Bottas' comments carry significant weight given their shared history across 100 race weekends at Mercedes, and they effectively dismiss the notion that Hamilton's elite days were behind him. The implication is clear: Hamilton's difficulties were rooted in car characteristics rather than declining skill, a reminder that even all-time greats are only as good as the machinery beneath them. As Ferrari continues to refine its package, Hamilton's renewed confidence suggests the partnership is finally clicking.