In addition to the ongoing development of the SF-25, Ferrari is already heavily involved in the development of their contender for 2026. This marks the first time that Scuderia is developing a car with input from Lewis Hamilton, and the British driver has a wish list. The seven-time world champion hopes to incorporate his own ‘DNA’ into the next Ferrari car.
Lewis Hamilton has already completed half a season as a Ferrari driver, but the expected results are still not forthcoming. Apart from success during the sprint races, the seven-time world champion is still waiting for a podium finish in red. Even at Silverstone, Hamilton’s home race, the Brit fell just short of a podium finish. This ended his streak of twelve consecutive podium finishes at the British GP.
Hamilton has often expressed his struggle to adapt to the SF-25. The world champion hopes to avoid a similar fate in 2026, and wants to incorporate his own ‘DNA’ into the next Ferrari vehicle. “Charles and the team have found a way to make the current car work. I’ve tried all the other directions that should work, but for some reason, they just don’t,” Hamilton explained his struggles again at Silverstone.
DNA
Although the driver notices that he is gradually getting closer to the racing pace of his teammate Charles Leclerc, he still does not feel comfortable in the SF-25. “I am currently working with Loïc (Serra, technical director of the chassis) and all the other guys in the factory to ensure that the next car also contains my DNA,” Hamilton continues. “Hopefully, we can incorporate some characteristics from my wish list.”
Deputy team boss Jérôme d’Ambrosio indeed confirms that both drivers submit ‘largely the same requests’ for next year’s car. “We listen to the input from both drivers,” the Belgian explains. “Of course, part of the development simply revolves around delivering a package that maximizes downforce and performance. But a lot can also be done to give the drivers the right tools to do their job well and to ensure that they can adapt the car as much as possible to their driving style.”
