Lewis Hamilton makes pointed blame claim for being 'stuck' with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has blamed the F1 budget cap for making him "stuck" with the same car for the rest of the season, with all teams prioritising 2026 over introducing upgrades. 

While some small parts are still being introduced, most teams have stopped developing upgrades for this year's cars. 

All teams have switched focus to next year's models, when the new power unit regulations will be introduced. Next season will represent one of the biggest regulatory changes in F1 history, which is already having a huge difference in how teams operate. 

It is not the first regulatory change Hamilton has experienced in his career, with the seven-time world champion having been with McLaren for the new rules in 2009 and Mercedes in 2014. 

Crucially, Hamilton recalled that McLaren continued to introduce upgrades throughout the season in 2008, despite also working on a new car for the following year's regulation change.

That is now impossible due to the budget cap, making for a campaign which has not excited Hamilton, who finished quickest in Friday practice for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

"It feels quite a bit different because of the budget cap," Hamilton told select media, including RacingNews365. 

"I remember in 2008, we were still able to bring upgrades in that year, we were still fighting, still developing the car right to the end. And, obviously, the next year's car was a disaster, but they would have to do those two in tandem. 

"And then in 2013 again, I was switching [from McLaren], so it's difficult to say so much in that session. But I would say this time it's not been as exciting because we've moved over so early, and so you're then just stuck with what you have for the year. 

"So, it makes this season less exciting because you're not getting developments. We're just going to see out the rest of the year with what we have.

"But then next year will be an exciting one, because there'll be lots of upgrades throughout."