Lewis Hamilton Demands Fresh Start From Ferrari With 2026 F1 Car

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has stated that he doesn’t want any elements from the current SF25 F1 car to be carried forward to the 2026 car. Hamilton suggested that Ferrari should start fresh to develop the new car after a disappointing home race at Silverstone.

The British Grand Prix turned out to be an exciting race for fans. However, the drivers not only had to battle their rivals, but also a spell of rain mid-race that severely compromised visibility, leading Hamilton to even radio his team about the high danger involved.

Hamilton started the race in P5 and finished in P4. Despite an impressive race finish, one of his best of 2025 thus far, he admitted that the SF25 was the most difficult car he had driven at Silverstone. The 40-year-old driver pointed out how tricky it was to drive given the high rate of tire degradation. He told the media:

“Yeah, a difficult day, I think, for everybody, but it’s not the result that I was hoping for.

“It’s the most difficult car I’ve been in here, so I’m just hoping to come back and have some fun.”

He added:

“Had a chance for Lando into Turn 15; after that I just struggled to keep up. The tires dropped off massively. The car was unbelievably tricky to drive.

“I think ultimately I learned a lot today. It’s only my second time driving in this car, and I can’t even express to you how hard it is.”

F1 enters a new era of regulations next year, when cars will be smaller and lighter. In addition, they will be powered by an equal ratio of internal combustion and electric power. Given the reset in regulations, Hamilton stated firmly that he would personally sit with the design team at Ferrari to ensure none of the elements from the current car go into the 2026 car. He said:

“It’s not a car that likes those conditions. But having lots of data to take from this, I mean, for me, I might have to sit down with the people that are designing the car for next year, because there’s elements of this car that cannot go into the following year.”