Bottas: Car 'DNA' Key to Hamilton's Ferrari Resurgence

Lewis Hamilton's breakthrough win at the Spanish Grand Prix has cemented his Ferrari turnaround following a difficult start to 2026. According to former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, the seven-time champion's resurgence stems from finally having a car that carries his "DNA"—something he lacked throughout the ground-effect era.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's return to the top step is more than a personal milestone. It suggests Ferrari has found a package that genuinely suits its star recruit, potentially solving the compatibility issues that have undermined him since 2022. If Bottas is right, the Scuderia has turned a troubled adaptation into a genuine title threat.

The details:

• Bottas, who spent five seasons alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, pointed directly to the machinery as the catalyst. "Maybe it is the first car that has a bit of his DNA in it," the Finn said, stressing that "small things can make a big difference" in a sport decided by fine margins.
• The theory carries weight after Hamilton followed podiums in Monaco and Canada with his maiden Ferrari victory in Barcelona, a far cry from the visible discomfort he displayed during the opening rounds.
• Former title rival Nico Rosberg revealed he had "felt for the struggles" Hamilton endured early in his Ferrari tenure, but now sees a driver thriving in his new surroundings. Rosberg described the Spain win as "historic" and believes Hamilton has entered a "positive flywheel" where results fuel greater motivation across the entire team.

What's next:

With momentum swelling at Maranello, Hamilton's growing comfort could ignite a sustained title charge through the summer. If Ferrari has truly built a machine around his preferences, the rest of the grid may have to contend with a Hamilton who finally looks at home again.