Jenson Button is convinced that the rule changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season will be a turning point for Lewis Hamilton. According to the former world champion, the new technical era will determine whether Hamilton returns to his old level or considers ending his career.
“We have already seen brilliant moments from Hamilton this year,” Button told Sky Sports F1 during the race weekend in Singapore. “I’m thinking, for example, of the sprint in Shanghai, which was very impressive. But the consistency over the entire season is still lacking. He has not been able to build full confidence in the car this year.” The Brit also points out that Hamilton currently does not have the same stable environment as during his years at Mercedes, where he drove as a world champion. “He no longer has the team of people he used to have around him. It takes time to rebuild that.”
With the major rule changes coming into effect in 2026 in mind, Button expects a decisive moment for the seven-time world champion. “That’s the moment when we can see Lewis at his very best again – or perhaps a Lewis who decides to stop,” said the former world champion. According to Button, the coming season will therefore be crucial for Hamilton, as he balances between maintaining his top form and thinking about his future in the premier class of motorsport.
