Lewis Hamilton F1 resurgence pinned on factor 'nobody talks about'

Lewis Hamilton's surge in F1 form this year is a result of his aptitude towards the new-for-2026 car, according to two-time champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

Hamilton joined Ferrari last year as he brought down the curtain on a highly successful stint with Mercedes.

However, the seven-time champion struggled to adapt to his new surroundings and was consistently out-paced by team-mate Charles Leclerc.

For the first time in his career, Hamilton failed to bag a single podium result across a season and on ocassion, questioned his own worth in the squad.

However, under the new F1 regulations this year, Hamilton has enjoyed a positive uplift in results and sits second in the standings having won his first grand prix with the team in Barcelona.

“I was so happy to see Lewis and Ferrari going fast,” Fittipaldi told F1.

“I remember last year… it happened to me in IndyCar, and in F1, when you get older people start saying, ‘Well, he cannot drive’, and everybody last year criticised Lewis. 

‘He cannot beat Leclerc, he’s too old’. Now he’s going strong. 

“I think for the sport it’s good, for the fans it’s good. Seeing Ferrari winning again, and Lewis winning again, is fantastic.”

Prior to his move to Ferrari, Hamilton also endured a dip in form at Mercedes.

Fittipaldi suggested that the lighter and smaller cars this year suit Hamilton's style more compared to the ground effect cars in use from 2022 to 2025.

“One thing that nobody talks about a lot is the new car. 

“It’s smaller, with less downforce, and to me it makes it harder to drive fast. I think it brings [out] more talent. 

“I think that’s one of the reasons why Lewis improved, because of his car control, his feeling for the car – he’s an extremely talented driver. 

“He’s working in his second year with Ferrari, he knows the engineers, and he knows the system.”