Lewis Hamilton: F1 Legend ‘Back’ at Ferrari, Says James Hinchcliffe

The resurgence of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is quickly becoming the defining narrative of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After a challenging initial year with the Scuderia in 2025, the seven-time world champion appears to have found his stride, prompting observers to suggest a return to the dominant form that characterized much of his career.

Hamilton’s 2025 season with Ferrari was, by his standards, underwhelming. Joining the iconic Italian team with immense expectations, he secured only one sprint race victory – in China – and a best grand prix result of fourth place. The transition to a new team, coupled with adapting to the ground effect regulations, proved tricky. Though, a personal reset over the winter break seems to have unlocked a renewed focus and optimism, according to those close to the team.

The early stages of the 2026 season have offered a stark contrast. Hamilton currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with 33 points, highlighted by a podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. This performance, coupled with the introduction of new regulations and a redesigned Ferrari car, has fueled speculation that Hamilton is back to his best.

James Hinchcliffe, speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, was emphatic in his assessment: “Lewis Hamilton is back,” he stated. “This is everything that all the Ferrari fans were hoping for at the start of ’25.” Hinchcliffe’s comments underscore the significance of Hamilton’s improved performance for the team and its passionate fanbase.

A key factor in Hamilton’s revival appears to be the shift in Formula 1 regulations and Ferrari’s response. Hinchcliffe pointed to Hamilton’s historical discomfort with the previous generation of cars, noting, “You travel all the way back to ’22, and he never liked that car. He just never liked those regs, something about the driving style, and we all recognize how he likes to approach a corner, and how that inherently was never going to work in that type of car.” The new rule set, designed to promote closer racing and more traditional car characteristics, seems to be a better fit for Hamilton’s driving style.

Ferrari’s commitment to providing Hamilton with a competitive machine is also evident. The team has invested heavily in developing a strong power unit and chassis, and the early results suggest those efforts are paying off. Hinchcliffe highlighted the competitive dynamic within the Ferrari team, stating, “Add in the fact that Ferrari’s done their homework. They’ve shown up with a strong power unit, with a strong chassis, and he’s now going toe-to-toe with Charles Leclerc, who is a guy that everyone has touted for the last five years as world champion material. And who systematically trounced him last year. Now they’re neck and neck.”

The ability of Hamilton to now compete directly with Leclerc, a driver widely regarded as a future world champion, is a significant indicator of his resurgence. Leclerc consistently outperformed Hamilton during their first season as teammates, but the gap has closed considerably in 2026. This internal competition is pushing both drivers to elevate their performance, benefiting the entire Ferrari team.

The SF-25, Ferrari’s 2025 car, represented a significant departure from previous designs, featuring a completely new architecture, including pull-rod front suspension. Hamilton described his first experience with the car as “smooth” during a shakedown at Fiorano, signaling a positive initial impression. The team’s willingness to embrace radical changes and provide Hamilton with a car tailored to his preferences demonstrates their commitment to his success.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari in January 2025 marked a new chapter in his illustrious career. The initial adjustment period proved challenging, but the combination of a personal reset, favorable regulatory changes, and a competitive car appears to have unlocked his potential. As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can translate this early momentum into a sustained championship challenge. The hope, as Hinchcliffe suggests, is that this marks “the start of something great” for both Hamilton and Ferrari.