F1 news: Lewis Hamilton signals major Ferrari changes for 2026
Lewis Hamilton’s first season in red has been full of challenges, and the seven-time world champion believes Ferrari must make structural changes to move forward.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo explores Hamilton’s reflections on 2025 - and his clear message about what needs to change for 2026.
A year of high expectations and hard lessons
Lewis Hamilton entered his first season with Ferrari carrying the weight of global attention and personal ambition.
The seven-time champion swapped silver for red with hopes of energising his career, yet the reality has been a campaign filled with difficult weekends, inconsistent results, and an absence of podium celebrations.
His Sprint win in China offered a bright moment, but the season as a whole has presented far more challenges than triumphs.
Hamilton spoke openly about this turbulent journey as the year drew to a close, admitting that the transition to Ferrari has tested him mentally and professionally.
He acknowledged that he has not yet unlocked his best form in the car and that the team has struggled to match the standard set by the championship contenders.
The emotional beginning of life in red
Despite the setbacks, Hamilton remains deeply moved by the spirit he discovered upon arriving at Ferrari.
He described his first days in Maranello and his debut drive at Fiorano as moments he will remember forever, especially since his family shared those experiences with him.
What stood out most was the passion within the team, something he believes is unmatched anywhere else in the paddock.
He carries that passion with him into the future, insisting that the enthusiasm and energy inside Ferrari can become a powerful catalyst for improvement if harnessed correctly.
The toughest lesson
When asked about his biggest takeaway from the season, Hamilton did not hesitate. His answer was resilience.
He admitted that the year surprised him with its emotional swings and its mental tests, yet it reinforced one thing he has always relied on.
His belief in himself remains intact. Even in the most difficult weekends, he continued to write down what went wrong, what decisions he made, and what he would change next time.
That habit has become a roadmap for the growth he expects to achieve.
A clear need for change
The most revealing comments from Hamilton revolve around the future. He made it clear that simply repeating the same approach in 2026 is not an option.
He suggested that both his personal circle and the broader team structure may need adjustments.
This could involve shifting responsibilities, reassigning individuals into different roles, or rethinking how people are utilised during the race weekend. He emphasised that these decisions will not be made lightly.
With testing ahead and meetings planned at the factory, he wants to take a strategic approach when speaking to the key people who influence Ferrari’s direction.
Hamilton stressed that the process is complex and requires careful planning, but he confirmed that changes must happen to optimise teamwork and performance.
When pressed on whether the team can continue as it has this season, he was blunt: “Definitely not.”
Ferrari’s current position and the final race of the season
As the title fight among Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri heads to its conclusion, Hamilton does not expect Ferrari to have any meaningful influence on the battle.
He acknowledged that their car has not matched the pace of the leading teams and that this gap explains much of their current position in the standings.
Even so, he insists that the group remains motivated. The goal is to close the season with pride and positivity.
He spoke highly of the effort shown by everyone at Ferrari and hopes their commitment can produce a strong final push in Abu Dhabi.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Familiar faces on a new F1 team: Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, and the future of Cadillac F1 team
A difficult car and shifting confidence
Hamilton’s struggles this year are not limited to adaptation to a new team. He has been vocal about his discomfort with the current generation of ground effect machinery.
The Ferrari SF25 has been particularly demanding, leaving him frustrated at times as he tries to unlock confidence in different conditions.
He refuses, however, to draw direct comparisons between his years at Mercedes and this first year at Ferrari.
Each season, he said, comes with a new mindset and different personal circumstances. What matters most is the belief he continues to hold in his own ability to rebound.
The road to 2026
Hamilton enters the off-season with clarity about what must be improved.
He plans to dig deeper into his notes, evaluate his decisions, and outline precise steps that will help him return stronger.
He knows that a season like this one shapes a driver in unique ways. If he can emerge from it standing firm, he believes there is no challenge ahead that he cannot overcome.
His message is unmistakable. Ferrari will not return next season as the same team that stumbled through this year.
Change is coming, and Hamilton intends to lead it with purpose and resilience.
