Lewis Hamilton central to Ferrari future has become clear, as the seven-time Formula One champion steps into a pivotal role with Ferrari while they shape their strategy for upcoming seasons. Hamilton’s input is especially valued now, with the team eager to rebound after a difficult start and catch up to frontrunners as new regulations approach in 2026.

Hamilton, aged 40, recently departed Mercedes to join Ferrari before the 2025 season, bringing with him immense experience and expectations. However, the move began with disappointment; early races have left the legendary driver and his new team trailing more than 200 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings, all but ruling out his bid for an eighth world championship this year. This setback has led Ferrari to look ahead, considering how Hamilton could become the linchpin for their long-term resurgence.

Hamilton Takes on New Responsibilities at Ferrari

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Ferrari is making Hamilton central to their 2026 plans, where technical changes across the sport will offer new opportunities. Hamilton’s depth of knowledge around car development is proving critical, with his primary focus being the vehicle’s suspension systems. According to the publication,

“Hamilton is focusing on the indications regarding the car’s suspension, a key element for making the floor work, obtaining maximum aerodynamic load and effective balance – precisely what the red car has lacked so far,”

—La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The drive to innovate is not purely about immediate gains. Some of the concepts Hamilton is shaping for the current car are expected to influence the design of next season’s vehicle, which will face even broader technical shifts under the revised rules.

“Finding a solution is important, because some concepts can be transferred to the next car, which will instead be totally different in other areas.”

—La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Given Hamilton’s impact during his time at Mercedes, particularly during their period of dominance, Ferrari executives believe his insights could make a considerable difference in their competitive push. Rival teams, including Mercedes, are widely believed to be well-prepared for the sport’s forthcoming era, heightening the urgency for Ferrari to make critical strides now.

Hamilton’s new assignment extends beyond traditional driving duties; the Italian source outlines his growing influence within Maranello. With a contract lasting two years and an option for a third, Hamilton’s tenure may still hinge on Ferrari’s performance. Should the team continue to languish, retirement remains a possibility for the veteran, who would turn nearly 42 by the end of next season. The report notes,

“This is why Lewis is trying with all his strength to contribute to a turning point in Maranello, giving meaning to [Ferrari executive chairman] John Elkann’s project.”

—La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Season Results and Hope for a Turnaround at Silverstone

This season has been marked by frustration for Hamilton, who currently occupies sixth place in the drivers’ standings with 91 points—just behind his team-mate Charles Leclerc and ahead of former Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. Despite being a 105-time Grand Prix winner, Hamilton has often appeared downcast, with many observers struggling to diagnose the underlying problems.

Amid growing speculation from pundits about whether he might depart before the year ends if results stagnate, Hamilton has remained focused on improvement. His performance at the recent Austrian Grand Prix was a bright spot, where he qualified and finished fourth—matching his best result for 2025 and signaling tentative progress.

Looking forward, Hamilton will strive to achieve even better at the upcoming British Grand Prix, racing at Silverstone before an enthusiastic home crowd. Last year’s unexpected victory at the same event remains a cherished memory, and the chance for redemption on familiar turf adds significance to the coming race.

With strategic input and renewed drive, Hamilton’s role in shaping Ferrari’s direction is taking on greater importance, not only for this campaign but potentially for the next era of F1 competition. As Ferrari looks to close the gap to dominant teams like McLaren and to outpace Mercedes, Hamilton’s experience and determination may prove decisive in realizing John Elkann’s ambitions for success at Maranello.