Briatore Backs Hamilton to Challenge for Ferrari Victories in 2026

Flavio Briatore, a prominent figure in F1, believes Lewis Hamilton will return to winning ways with Ferrari, particularly with the significant regulation changes coming in 2026. Despite a challenging start to his Ferrari tenure, Briatore expresses optimism about Hamilton's ability to fight for victories once the new era of Formula 1 begins.

Why it matters:

After a difficult period for both Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari in recent seasons, the prospect of a revitalized partnership could dramatically alter the competitive landscape. Briatore's endorsement highlights the belief that Hamilton still possesses the talent to contend for championships, given the right machinery, and that the 2026 regulations offer a genuine reset opportunity for the Scuderia.

The Details:

• Briatore's Confidence: Speaking on the Radio Rai program "La politica nel pallone," Briatore stated, "Hamilton will be back in the fight for victory." He emphasized the current complexity of F1, where "seven cars within two tenths of a second" make competition incredibly tight.
• 2026 Regulations as a Turning Point: Briatore sees the upcoming 2026 regulation changes as a critical moment that will positively impact both Hamilton and Ferrari. He believes these changes will allow the team to "be fighting for the podium too" and that "with the new cars, Hamilton will be back in the fight for victory; he's always great."
• Hamilton's Current Struggles: Hamilton has openly acknowledged his difficulties since joining Ferrari, famously labeling himself as 'useless' during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend after a series of underwhelming performances and no podium finishes with eight rounds remaining in 2025.
• Leadership Under Scrutiny: Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur's leadership has also faced criticism, including a "scathing assessment" from former chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who questioned the team's direction under Vasseur.

Between the lines:

Briatore's comments, while optimistic, also subtly underscore the immense pressure on Ferrari and Hamilton. The 'useless' comment from Hamilton and the criticism of Vasseur indicate that the current season is proving to be a significant challenge for the Maranello outfit. The hope for 2026 is not just for improvement, but a radical transformation to genuinely contend for the title, a task that has eluded Ferrari consistently since 2008.

What's next:

While Briatore himself dismissed the possibility of joining Ferrari, citing his commitments with Alpine, his focus remains on the future. He expressed optimism about Alpine's prospects post-2026, despite their current position at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship. For Hamilton and Ferrari, the next two seasons will be a crucial build-up to the 2026 regulations, where the true test of their partnership and the new power unit will unfold. If Briatore's predictions hold, the sport could see one of its greatest drivers back at the sharp end of the grid, aiming for an unprecedented eighth world title.