Davidson says Hamilton could finally thrive with Ferrari in 2026

Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 Ferrari season was a disappointment, but former driver Anthony Davidson believes the 2026 aerodynamic reset could finally give the seven‑time champion the car he’s been chasing since 2021. The new low‑downforce chassis offers more compliance and movement, matching Hamilton’s preference for a car that ‘travels’ under him. If the theory holds, Ferrari could see race wins and a realistic shot at the title.

Why it matters:

• Hamilton’s star power drives global viewership and sponsor interest; a comeback would boost F1’s commercial appeal.
• The 2026 rule change cuts aerodynamic turbulence, giving Ferrari a chance to deliver a car that matches Hamilton’s driving style and revitalizes its title chase.

The details:

• Hamilton won just two races in his last three seasons with Mercedes, hampered by porpoising and a mis‑firing engine.
• His first year with Ferrari produced no podiums in 24 races, underscoring a mismatch between driver and car.
• Pre‑season testing for 2025 saw Hamilton seventh‑fastest, only 1.4 s off the leader and 0.6 s behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
• Davidson says the 2026 low‑downforce cars are less ‘peaky’, offering more movement that fits Hamilton’s preference for a compliant platform, which could translate into front‑running pace and race wins.

What's next:

• Ferrari will launch its 2026 chassis at the Australian Grand Prix; early performance will test Davidson’s optimism.
• If Hamilton can secure an early win, it would validate the regulation reset and set the tone for a title fight against Red Bull and Mercedes.