Button Predicts Hamilton Resurgence in 2026 Amidst Ferrari New Regulations Push

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is poised for a significant resurgence in the 2026 season, according to former McLaren teammate and 2009 world champion Jenson Button. Button’s prediction hinges on the introduction of sweeping new technical regulations and Hamilton’s anticipated deep integration into Ferrari’s car development process during his second year with the iconic Italian Scuderia. The optimism comes after what has been described as a challenging period for Hamilton, particularly since the advent of the ground-effect era in 2022 and a projected difficult inaugural season with Ferrari in 2025.

The past few years have marked a notable deviation from the sustained dominance Hamilton enjoyed during much of the hybrid era. Following a contentious and ultimately deflating conclusion to the 2021 championship battle, the sport underwent a significant technical overhaul in 2022, introducing a new generation of ground-effect cars. Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, Hamilton’s long-time outfit, struggled to adapt effectively to these new parameters, with their W13 and W14 chassis proving inherently difficult to manage, often displaying characteristics such as "porpoising" and a narrow operating window. This resulted in a significant drop in performance for Hamilton, who had previously secured 103 Grand Prix victories and seven drivers’ titles. His last victory came at the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a stark contrast to his earlier career where wins were a regular occurrence. The 2022 and 2023 seasons saw him finish sixth and third respectively in the Drivers’ Championship, a testament to his enduring skill but also a clear indication of the car’s limitations compared to rivals like Red Bull Racing.

The highly anticipated move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season, a decision that sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, was widely viewed as a bold strategic play by both Hamilton and Ferrari. It represented a desire for a fresh challenge for the Briton and a monumental coup for the Maranello-based team, who have been striving to reclaim championship glory since their last constructors’ title in 2008 and drivers’ title in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen. However, according to observations made by Button and implicit within the F1 community’s forward-looking analyses, Hamilton’s initial year in red, the 2025 season, is not expected to be an immediate return to championship contention.

Reports and expert projections for the hypothetical 2025 season suggested that while Ferrari’s SF-25 chassis showed sporadic flashes of competitive pace, particularly on certain circuit layouts, maintaining consistent performance proved to be a significant challenge. This dynamic reportedly allowed Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, who has been deeply embedded within the Ferrari structure for several seasons, to more effectively extract performance from the package and convert strong qualifying positions into valuable championship points. In contrast, Hamilton, still adapting to a new team culture, engineering philosophy, and a car that might not perfectly align with his driving style, reportedly faced persistent difficulties. By the close of the 2025 campaign, an 86-point gap was noted between Leclerc and Hamilton in the Drivers’ Standings, underscoring the complexities of transitioning to a new environment, even for a driver of Hamilton’s calibre.

Related News :

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Jenson Button, who shared the McLaren garage with Hamilton from 2010 to 2012, articulated his empathy for Hamilton’s predicament during this transitional phase. "It was tough. I have to say, watching Lewis in 2025," Button stated. "We were team-mates for three years. I understand how good he is. So it was really tough to see him struggle with the team and you could see it in his face how much it was hurting." Button further elaborated on the emotional toll such a period can take on an athlete of Hamilton’s stature. "You kind of forget everything else he’s achieved at that moment in time because you just see the pain."

However, Button’s outlook for 2026 is markedly more optimistic, aligning with the widespread anticipation surrounding the sport’s next major regulatory shift. "But I think with the new regulation changes, we will see Lewis Hamilton back to his best, I really do," he affirmed. This belief is rooted in the expectation that the 2026 regulations will effectively reset the playing field, offering all teams an opportunity to design and develop a car from a clean slate.

The 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations represent one of the most significant overhauls in the sport’s modern history. Central to these changes is a completely revised power unit formula, which will see a balanced split between internal combustion engine (ICE) power and electrical power, moving towards a 50% ICE and 50% electric ratio. Critically, the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat), a complex and expensive component, will be removed. This simplification aims to attract new power unit manufacturers and promote greater engine parity. Complementing these engine changes are substantial alterations to the chassis and aerodynamic regulations, designed to make cars lighter, smaller, and more agile. The introduction of active aerodynamics, where elements of the front and rear wings can be adjusted by the driver, is expected to enhance efficiency on straights and increase downforce in corners, promoting closer racing. Furthermore, a renewed focus on sustainability and the use of 100% sustainable fuels will underpin the new era.

Button highlights a key advantage for Hamilton within this new regulatory landscape: his deep involvement in the car’s conceptualization and development. "He’s gonna have input in how the car is designed," Button continued. "And have confidence in him taking it in a direction that works for him. So I hope to see that." This ability for a driver of Hamilton’s experience and technical acumen to guide the engineering direction of a car is invaluable, particularly when a team is starting from scratch. Hamilton’s meticulous feedback and ability to articulate car behaviour have been cornerstones of his success, especially during Mercedes’ dominant years, where he consistently refined the car to suit his aggressive yet precise driving style.

The dynamic between Button and Hamilton during their McLaren tenure from 2010 to 2012 provides further context to Button’s insight. Button joined McLaren as the reigning world champion from his Brawn GP triumph in 2009, while Hamilton had secured his maiden title in 2008. Their partnership was highly competitive, with both drivers pushing each other intensely. Hamilton often held an edge in raw qualifying pace, while Button was frequently lauded for his race craft, particularly in variable conditions and his astute tyre management. Over their three seasons together, Hamilton outperformed Button in the points standings in two of those years, demonstrating his consistent high performance even against a fellow world champion. This direct experience of Hamilton’s capabilities under pressure and across different car characteristics lends weight to Button’s assessment of his former teammate’s potential.

For Ferrari, the 2026 regulations, coupled with Hamilton’s arrival, represent a strategic imperative to finally end their long drought for a drivers’ championship. The team has invested heavily in infrastructure and personnel, and the clean slate provided by the new rules offers a prime opportunity to leapfrog competitors. The synergy between Hamilton’s vast experience and the innovative engineering talent at Maranello could prove to be a potent combination. The hope is that a car meticulously tailored with Hamilton’s input will unlock his full potential, allowing him to contend for race victories and, ultimately, an unprecedented eighth world title.

The anticipation surrounding the 2026 season is palpable, with fans and pundits alike eager to witness whether the new regulations and Hamilton’s second year at Ferrari will indeed see the return of the seven-time champion to his formidable best, fighting at the very front of the grid once again. As Button concluded, "We want to see Ferrari at the front and we all want to see Lewis fighting at the front again." The stage is set for a potential renaissance in one of Formula 1’s most decorated careers.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

Latest entries

F1February 11, 2026Valtteri Bottas Details Cadillac F1’s Genesis and Emotional Momentum Towards 2026 Grid Debut
F1February 11, 2026Button Predicts Hamilton Resurgence in 2026 Amidst Ferrari New Regulations Push
F1February 11, 2026All Eleven 2026 Formula 1 Contenders Make Public Debut in Bahrain Pre-Season Testing
F1February 10, 2026Ralf Schumacher to Marry Long-Term Partner Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne

Or check our Popular Categories...

Or check our Popular Categories...