Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could be destined to fail after stance on F1’s new 2026 rules is revealed

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Lewis Hamilton has endured a difficult start to life as a Ferrari Formula 1 driver and may be realising what a difficult task it is to lead the team.

Ferrari have not won a championship since 2008. They’re on a 17-year win drought and even the likes of Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel have been unable to end that run.

Hamilton is searching for a record eighth drivers’ championship after a dismal few years at Mercedes, but time is running out as he approaches the end of his career.

By continuing to struggle in 2025, the 2026 F1 regulations may end up being his last shot at glory before retirement.

Hamilton has made one ‘adjustment’ at Ferrari in a bid to find more speed, and he will have to make several more if he is to compete for victories across the rest of the year.

READ MORE: ‘More than one’ engine expert has said something exciting about Lewis Hamilton’s 2026 Ferrari

Why Lewis Hamilton could be destined to fail at Ferrari after potential F1 rule tweak

Hamilton is already helping Ferrari develop for 2026, which is where there could be plenty of long-term gains up for grabs.

There is a chance, however, that future regulation changes could be tweaked – most notably, the engine changes.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that Ferrari favour a new engine plan for the future. They would like to see a naturally aspirated V10 return to the sport.

The sooner it comes in, the better it may be for the likes of Red Bull (who are going to have to develop their own engine from next season) and maybe Cadillac too.

Those that may be at a disadvantage by creating a V6 over the next few years, could benefit a vast amount from new engine regulations.

If Ferrari turns their attention to a new V10 engine for the future, it might scupper their current efforts and leave Hamilton doomed. It may mean less focus on their current and future V6 projects.

READ MORE: Martin Brundle says Ferrari have a ‘critical’ advantage over McLaren for 2026

How long is Lewis Hamilton contracted to be a Ferrari F1 driver?

Hamilton signed his current Ferrari deal before the start of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign – his 12th and final season with Mercedes.

It was a two-year deal with the option of a third in 2027 if both sides would like to continue the partnership.

The seven-time champion would be 42 years old at the end of that deal, still one year younger than Aston Martin’s Alonso is currently.

Bernie Ecclestone predicts Hamilton’s Ferrari contract ‘won’t last’ and on the evidence of the Australian Grand Prix, he could be right.

10th place will not suffice for one of the greatest duos in the sport’s history. Pressure is on all sides to deliver results soon.