Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari resurgence explained as Emerson Fittipaldi identifies key 2026 advantage – Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable turnaround at Ferrari may have as much to do with Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations as it does with his growing familiarity with Maranello.
Two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi believes the smaller, lighter cars have brought Hamilton’s natural car control back to the fore.
Hamilton endured a difficult first season with Ferrari in 2025, failing to score a podium and regularly finishing behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Twelve months later, the picture is dramatically different.
The seven-time world champion has emerged as a consistent frontrunner and has already claimed his first victory for Ferrari in Barcelona. With 169 points, Hamilton is also ahead of Leclerc in the championship and sits second in the standings.
Fittipaldi believes the 2026 cars suit Hamilton
Fittipaldi believes one of the biggest factors behind Hamilton’s resurgence has received relatively little attention: the characteristics of the new-generation cars.
“One thing nobody talks much about is the new car,” the Brazilian told F1. “It is smaller, with less downforce, and in my opinion that makes it harder to drive fast. I think it brings out more talent.”
The former Formula 1 champion believes those characteristics play directly into Hamilton’s strengths.
“That is one of the reasons why Lewis has improved, because of his car control and his feel for the car. He is an extremely talented driver.”
The ground-effect generation introduced in 2022 appeared to create problems for Hamilton, particularly during his final seasons at Mercedes. The 2026 regulations have fundamentally changed the characteristics of the cars, with smaller dimensions, reduced downforce and a greater emphasis on mechanical grip.
That has created a different challenge for drivers, potentially rewarding those who can extract performance through feel and precise car control.
Ferrari experience is now working in Hamilton’s favour
The technical changes are only part of the explanation. Fittipaldi also believes Hamilton’s second season at Ferrari is allowing the driver to benefit from the experience gained during his difficult debut campaign.
“He is now in his second year working with Ferrari, he knows the engineers and he knows the system.”
That familiarity can be particularly important at Ferrari, where adapting to the team’s processes and working methods can take time.
Hamilton’s career also provides evidence that he has historically adapted well when Formula 1 undergoes major technical changes. The introduction of the V6 turbo-hybrid regulations in 2014 coincided with the beginning of his period of dominance with Mercedes.
His career record now stands at 105 victories, including 84 with Mercedes between 2013 and 2024.
Fittipaldi rejects claims Hamilton is past his best
Fittipaldi was particularly pleased to see Hamilton silence some of the criticism that followed his first season at Ferrari.
“I was so happy to see Lewis and Ferrari go fast. I remember last year… it happened to me too in IndyCar and in F1, that when you get older, people start saying: “He can’t drive anymore.” Everyone criticized Lewis last year. “He can’t beat Leclerc, he’s too old.” Now he is going strong.”
Hamilton’s resurgence has also helped Ferrari establish itself near the front of the 2026 Constructors’ Championship. The Scuderia has 307 points and sits second, while Hamilton’s 169 points have put him ahead of Leclerc.
With races still remaining, the championship picture is far from settled. Hamilton remains 50 points behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli, but his current form has transformed the outlook surrounding his Ferrari career.
Hamilton’s comeback is good news for Formula 1
Fittipaldi believes Hamilton’s resurgence is significant beyond Ferrari itself, particularly because of what it means for the sport’s fans.
“I think it is good for the sport, good for the fans,” said Fittipaldi. “Seeing Ferrari win again, and seeing Lewis win again, is fantastic.”
The combination of a car that appears better suited to Hamilton’s driving strengths and his increased experience within Ferrari has given the seven-time champion a fresh opportunity.
Fittipaldi’s assessment also offers a reminder that a driver’s performance cannot always be separated from the characteristics of the machinery beneath them. For Hamilton, the 2026 regulations may have provided exactly the type of challenge in which his feel for a Formula 1 car can make the difference.
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Thiago Treze is a Brazilian motorsport writer at TJ13 with a background in sports journalism and broadcast media, alongside an academic foundation in engineering with a focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This combination of technical knowledge and editorial experience allows Thiago to approach Formula 1 from both a performance and narrative perspective.
At TJ13, Treze covers driver performance, career developments, and key storylines across the Formula 1 grid, while also analysing the technical factors that influence competitiveness. This includes aerodynamic development trends, simulation-driven design approaches, and the engineering decisions that shape race weekend outcomes.
His reporting bridges the gap between human performance and machine development, helping readers understand how driver execution and technical innovation interact in modern Formula 1. Coverage often connects on-track events with the underlying engineering philosophies that define each team’s approach.
With a global perspective shaped by both journalism and technical study, Thiago also focuses on Formula 1’s international reach and the different ways the sport is experienced across regions.
Treze has a particular interest in how Computational Fluid Dynamics and aerodynamic modelling contribute to car performance, offering accessible explanations of complex technical concepts within Formula 1.
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During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
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Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
