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Lewis Hamilton is adamant that he can return to full form at Ferrari in the upcoming 2026 F1 season, and has warned of there being a ‘big problem’ if he isn’t given the tools to do so.
Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari has been in question ever since he first got into the cockpit of the SF-25 last year.
What ensued was the worst campaign in F1 to date for the seven-time world champion. After previously securing at least one podium in every single season he had competed in, Hamilton failed to claim a top-three Grand Prix finish over the course of the 2025 term.
However, things are looking a lot more optimistic for the 41-year-old ahead of his second season in red. F1 paddock figures were under the impression that Hamilton would call it quits at the summer break of the upcoming season, but a strong pre-season has seen the prediction wane.
Martin Brundle is among those in Hamilton’s corner this year, with the F1 pundit previously sharing how confident he is in the Ferrari star having a much better season than he experienced last year.
Bosses at Maranello will be hoping for the same thing, especially considering Hamilton’s current sentiments on what could happen if he doesn’t.
- READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton claims his confidence in Ferrari is ‘even stronger’ after ‘steep learning curve’
Do you agree with our predictions for the 2026 F1 teammate battles?
Robert Doornbos reveals Lewis Hamilton conversation in F1 pre-season testing paddock
During an appearance on the Pit Talk Podcast, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos revealed a conversation he had with Hamilton during pre-season testing last month.
The seven-time world champion reportedly gave a candid verdict on the upcoming season, but warned of there potentially being “a big problem” for the bosses back at Maranello if things don’t go well.
Doornbos revealed, “I spoke to him in the paddock, I just went over to him. I’m quite forward. He said yes, but I don’t think he remembers me. But I just polished up my Italian and had a nice chat with him.
“And he said, ‘We’re so excited within the factory. We’ve put new people in place, not everybody saw what happened on the inside, but we’re ready. If it doesn’t happen this year, then we have a big problem.’”
After he was asked for clarification over Hamilton’s comments, Doornbos replied, “Yes, if it doesn’t happen this year, we have a big problem. And I agree with him because they have two of the best drivers.
“They have a seven-time world champion, and they have Charles Leclerc, who’s been their long-term project, and he hasn’t been winning a lot recently. He’s been with Ferrari for so many years, and he only has a few Grand Prix victories.”
- READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton’s new race engineer spotted at Australian Grand Prix but he may not start until Miami
What do you expect from Lewis Hamilton in the 2026 F1 season?
The upcoming F1 season could prove to be a decisive year for Ferrari
If the Scuderia suffer their worst-case scenario this year, the tifosi could see a brand-new team of personnel spearhead Ferrari for 2027.
Fred Vasseur’s job reportedly hinges on Ferrari winning a title this year, so if Hamilton ends up suffering again and calls it quits, the Frenchman will also be heading out the door behind him.
As alluded to by Doornbos, Leclerc’s lack of success in the Prancing Horse’s colours could also see him turn his back on the team.
Despite showing ‘no interest’ in signing for Aston Martin, Leclerc has been reported to have made contact with some rival teams in recent months over a possible future in F1 without Ferrari.
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