Mika Hakkinen: Lewis Hamilton Needs 'Five Years' to Master Ferrari

Double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen suggests Lewis Hamilton will need considerable "patience" to succeed at Ferrari, estimating it typically takes "four to five" years for a driver to fully adapt a car to their style. Hamilton has openly struggled with the SF-25, describing it as feeling "alien" even after several races into his challenging debut season with the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari has yet to yield a podium finish, raising questions about his adaptation and the team's immediate competitiveness. Hakkinen's timeline underscores the significant challenge ahead for the seven-time World Champion, particularly with major regulatory changes looming for F1 2026, which could reset the learning curve.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Struggles: Hamilton has repeatedly expressed discomfort with the SF-25, noting after the Bahrain Grand Prix that it "feels so alien." He's been adjusting his driving style, but even by September's Italian Grand Prix, he admitted he was "still not 100 per cent comfortable with the car."
• Hakkinen's Perspective: Mika Hakkinen, a two-time F1 champion, praised Hamilton's talent but emphasized the typical four to five-year period required for a driver to truly mold a car to their preferences. He stated, "You normally don't jump in the team and the car and say, 'Oh, this car is fantastic. I'm going to win races.' It requires a lot of work and a long time."
• F1 2026 Regulations: Complicating Hamilton's adaptation further are the significant rule changes for the 2026 season. These include:
  • Cars becoming 30 kilograms lighter.
  • Introduction of active aerodynamics on front and rear wings, replacing DRS.
  • Nearly tripling of peak electrical power output, making energy management a critical performance factor.
• Impact on Drivers and Teams: Hakkinen predicts these changes will demand drivers to "change their skills a little bit" and focus hard to keep cars on track, as they may become "very difficult to drive." Teams with experienced designers capable of building a great car will likely excel, while less experienced ones may face significant problems.

Looking Ahead:

Hamilton's multi-year deal with Ferrari reportedly runs until the end of 2026, with an option for an extension. This timeline aligns with Hakkinen's suggestion, indicating that true mastery and championship contention might not materialize immediately. The 2026 regulation changes present both a hurdle and a potential opportunity for Hamilton and Ferrari to start on a more even footing with rivals, provided they can quickly develop a competitive package and Hamilton can adapt to the new driving demands.

Between the lines:

Hakkinen's comments highlight a fundamental aspect of F1 – the deep synergy required between a driver and their machine. While Hamilton's talent is undeniable, the 'alien' feeling he describes points to a car philosophy that doesn't naturally suit his style. The upcoming rule changes in 2026 could either offer a fresh start or add another layer of complexity, forcing Hamilton to adapt to a completely new generation of F1 cars just as he's beginning to understand the current Ferrari architecture. This emphasizes that success in F1 is not just about the driver or the car, but the seamless integration of both, a process that inherently takes time.