Lewis Hamilton targets 2026 F1 title with Ferrari after difficult year
Lewis Hamilton has set his sights on winning the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship as he looks to bounce back from a challenging debut campaign with Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion is preparing for his second season with the Scuderia as the sport enters a new era of technical regulations.
Hamilton endured a frustrating 2025, failing to secure a single podium finish for the first time in his illustrious 19-year career.
Renewed optimism for new era
However, the 41-year-old cut a buoyant figure ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Having spent a year integrating into the Maranello team’s culture, Hamilton insists they are ready to leave their recent struggles in the past.
“We’ve learned a lot from last year. We’re leaving behind the bad and moving forwards with the good, and we’re just sharp,” Hamilton said.
“We are prepared, and we know what we need to do. We also know there’s massive challenges for all of us with the new rules and regulations.”
Ferrari pace and championship rivals
Ferrari showed promising signs during winter testing in Bahrain, with team-mate Charles Leclerc setting the fastest times.
While the Italian outfit impressed with their long-run pace, the Briton remains wary of the threat posed by his former team.
“The goal is to win. That’s what everyone’s working towards,” Hamilton added.
“Mercedes looks particularly quick, and I’m not really sure whether we have seen the full unleashed Red Bull yet, so it’s really, really exciting.”
Adapting to regulation changes
Hamilton struggled to adapt to the ground effect era introduced in 2022, but the overhauled 2026 technical regulations offer a fresh start.
The new generation of cars is expected to suit the veteran driver’s preference for a vehicle that can be controlled while sliding.
With the paddock consensus split between Ferrari and Mercedes as early favourites, Hamilton feels revitalised by the support system around him.
