Button: Hamilton's Ferrari resurgence driven by 2026 cars, not just comfort

Jenson Button believes Lewis Hamilton's resurgence with Ferrari this season has more to do with the 2026 regulation cars fitting his driving style than simply settling into his new team. Hamilton has already claimed a maiden victory for the Scuderia at Barcelona-Catalunya this year, along with podiums in China, Canada, and Monaco, a stark contrast to his difficult 2025 campaign.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's return to form is reshaping the 2026 championship fight and pushing back on the idea that a driver just needs time to adapt. Button's take shifts the focus toward how regulation changes can favor specific styles, reminding everyone that the car remains the biggest variable in Formula 1.

The details:

• Button argued on the Sky Sports F1 Show that while Hamilton growing more comfortable within Ferrari after a tough first season plays a role, the car itself is the biggest factor.
• The 2026 machinery represents a return to a more "natural" Formula 1 car, according to Button, similar to what Hamilton drove during his dominant years.
• Hamilton endured a difficult 2025 after leaving Mercedes, where he had spent 12 years alongside engineer Peter Bonnington.
• Button pointed out that Hamilton struggled against George Russell in his final seasons at Mercedes, suggesting the previous generation of cars already masked the Briton's ability before he switched teams.

What's next:

Hamilton's Barcelona win suggests he is firmly back in championship contention. If Button's theory holds, Hamilton's feel for the current regulations could work in his favor as Ferrari refines its package through the summer races.