Ferrari told what they must give Lewis Hamilton to stop him from falling apart in 2026

Follow us on Google Discover

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s relationship in their first year together was far from harmonious, as both parties struggled in 2025.

The seven-time champion joining F1’s most successful team was supposed to be a match made in heaven and the fresh start that Hamilton needed. However, his Sprint win in China was his only success in 2025 as he went without a Grand Prix for the first time in his career.

Charles Leclerc destroyed Hamilton in qualifying, with the Monegasque driver collecting seven podiums and beating his teammate in the standings by 77 points. The latter could not adapt to Ferrari’s car or their way of working.

Is Ralf Schumacher’s assessment on Ferrari’s future with Lewis Hamilton correct?

Comment below!

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

The Maranello outfit opted to focus more on the 2026 F1 regulations, thus halting development on the SF-25. The upgrades they did bring, such as a modified rear suspension in Spa, did not improve their fortunes as they went winless in 2025.

Hamilton disagreed with Loic Serra, whom he brought to Ferrari from Mercedes, over the SF-25’s development. He wanted to continue improving the car, but Ferrari sided against him, and his form only got worse in the second half of the season, getting knocked out in Q1 in the final three races.

Riccardo Patrese tells Ferrari to give Lewis Hamilton a competitive car in 2026 or he will ‘fall apart’

The 40-year-old told the media in Hungary that Ferrari should replace him, which prompted speculation that he could quit the team before 2026. Hamilton debunked the rumours, but it highlighted just how despondent he has been this year, and that a change is desperately needed.

The new regulations could be a turning point for Hamilton, having struggled immensely with ground-effect machinery. Riccardo Patrese says Ferrari must give the Brit a competitive car next year, or he will ‘fall apart’.

Asked by Quotidiano Nazionale if Hamilton was ‘finished’, the former F1 driver simply replied: “For goodness’ sake!” When he was told that the Brit’s season was ‘really slow’, he said: “Yes, but what kind of car did he have at his disposal?”

Patrese then said that Leclerc can challenge Max Verstappen in equal machinery. When asked what that has to do with Hamilton, he explained: “It does, because Lewis is the driver who has broken all the records in F1.

“He has won seven world championships, which would be eight because we all know how his eighth title was taken away from him in Abu Dhabi in 2021.

“You have to give a guy like that a competitive car, otherwise he’ll fall apart. Put Lewis in a Ferrari that’s at least close to the strongest team and you’ll see he’ll still be in contention.”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Lewis Hamilton needs to make changes around him at Ferrari in 2026

Along with improving the car, Ferrari need to make changes behind the scenes. Hamilton did not gel with their operation, especially given that he sent private documents to the team about how they can improve, which were not taken on board in 2025.

However, it would seem that things are changing for 2026, as Ferrari have let Serra hire two Mercedes colleagues. Having more familiar faces around him would suggest that the team are listening to Hamilton and are giving him what he needs to succeed.

But more changes are required next year. Hamilton must replace Riccardo Adami as his race engineer, after their miscommunication throughout 2025 cost him dearly.

Rubens Barrichello says Hamilton must solve his issues with Adami ‘behind closed doors’ after he was constantly frustrated over the radio at several races. Their lack of cohesion will be damaging if it is not rectified in 2026.