Lewis Hamilton Could Return To His Best In 2026 Under New F1 Regulations, Says Jenson Button

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Jenson Button believes Lewis Hamilton is set for a strong return in the 2026 Formula One season, as new technical regulations arrive. Button expects the seven-time world champion to look more like a title contender again, especially with Hamilton now settled at Ferrari.

Hamilton is coming off a difficult first campaign with Ferrari in 2025, when results fell below expectations. The British driver ended the year sixth in the drivers' standings and, for the first time in a full season, did not stand on the podium.

The points gap inside Ferrari was also clear. Hamilton finished almost 100 points behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who regularly fought closer to the front. Across the season, Hamilton struggled to match the leading pace and rarely looked in contention for race wins.

Button explained that watching that campaign was not easy, given his past experience alongside Hamilton at McLaren. The pair shared the garage for three seasons after Button joined the team as reigning world champion in 2010, following the Brawn GP title in 2009, one year after Hamilton’s first crown.

Reflecting on Hamilton's recent form, Button told Sky Sports News how difficult it was to see those problems. "We were team-mates for three years, and I understand how good he is, so it was really tough to see him struggle, and you could see it in his face how much it was hurting."

Button said Hamilton's past achievements can briefly fade from view when results dip. "You kind of forget everything else hes achieved in that moment of time because you just see the pain, but with the new regulation changes, we will see Lewis Hamilton back to his best." Button added that the experience remained hard to watch. "It was tough watching Lewis in 2025, Button told Sky Sports News."

Button thinks the 2026 rule changes will give Hamilton a strong platform at Ferrari. "Hell have an input into how the car is designed, and I have confidence hell take it in a direction that works for him." Button also outlined what many Formula One fans hope to see. "I hope to see that because we all want to see Ferrari at the front, and we all want to see Lewis fighting at the front again."

The wider grid is also shaping up for an interesting year. The new season starts with the Australian Grand Prix next week, and early testing form suggests Mercedes and Ferrari have produced two of the more competitive cars, adding extra focus on how quickly Hamilton can respond.

Button’s comments underline a shared expectation that Hamilton, with input on Ferrari’s 2026 design and fresh regulations across Formula One, has a realistic chance to return to regular podium fights, rebuild momentum after 2025, and rejoin Leclerc and other rivals at the sharp end.