Sainz: Hamilton's Ferrari Turnaround Reflects Latest Car Suits His Style

Lewis Hamilton secured his first Ferrari victory in Barcelona, climbing to second in the 2026 Formula 1 championship. While Hamilton has highlighted the changes he pushed for at Maranello, former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz believes the real factor might be simpler: the latest regulation change has produced a car that naturally complements Hamilton's style.

Why it matters:

Sainz's theory strikes at the heart of one of Formula 1's oldest debates—how much of a driver's success is talent versus machinery. His perspective is informed by personal experience, having spent the first half of 2022 struggling to match Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari that disagreed with his natural approach.

The details:

• Speaking to Spanish media after Barcelona, Sainz said F1 "has no secrets" and that elite drivers possess different characteristics aligning with different cars.
• He cited the start of 2022, when new regulations produced a Ferrari that Leclerc exploited for two wins in three races, while Sainz needed months to adapt.
• Sainz argued Hamilton benefited directly from the recent rule changes, suggesting that if the Briton had been stuck with Ferrari's 2025 car for another three years, "maybe we wouldn't be seeing the Lewis we're seeing this season."
• The Williams driver also defended his own 2025 campaign, insisting his late Ferrari podiums and current form represent a "very, very good year" overlooked by outsiders.
• The championship gap underlines the shift: Hamilton now leads Leclerc by 40 points in 2026, reversing their 2025 dynamic when Leclerc comfortably held the upper hand.

The big picture:

Sainz's assessment is a reminder that even generational talents can appear mortal when equipment fights them. As Hamilton chases a record eighth title, his Barcelona breakthrough may say less about reinvention and more about Ferrari finally giving him a machine that unlocks his immense ability.