Lewis Hamilton 'praying' 2026 regulations end his 'worst' F1 spell

Lewis Hamilton has labeled the current ground-effect era as "probably the worst" regulation cycle of his career and is "praying" the 2026 rules will deliver a much-needed reset. The seven-time champion, now with Ferrari, has not won a race in 2025 and has only finished higher than fifth in the standings once since these regulations began in 2022, marking the most prolonged competitive struggle of his time in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's candid assessment highlights the profound impact technical regulations have on a driver's legacy and competitive window. For a champion of his stature to endure such a barren period underscores how a single rule cycle can define eras and reshape careers. His hope for 2026 reflects a broader sentiment within the paddock that the upcoming reset is crucial for rebalancing the competitive order.

The details:

• This is the fifth major regulation change Hamilton has experienced. He contrasted the current era with more successful transitions, like the exciting shift to turbo-hybrid power in 2014 that began his dominant period with Mercedes.
• He recalled the 2009 regulations as a learning experience, citing McLaren's misinterpretation that left the car with "no downforce at all" and miles off the pace.
• Hamilton expressed significant reservations about the 2026 cars based on simulator runs, noting they "feel so much different."
  • Key concerns include having "less downforce, more torque," which he predicts will make driving in the rain "very, very, very tough."
  • He is uncertain if fans will like the new driving style, which may involve downshifting at the end of straights and managing different boost parameters.

What's next:

Despite his apprehensions, Hamilton frames the 2026 challenge as the essence of sport. The success of his high-profile move to Ferrari may ultimately hinge on the Scuderia's interpretation of these new rules. His comments set the stage for 2026 as a pivotal moment, not just for his own career resurgence but for the entire competitive landscape of Formula 1.