Sergio Perez’s Bold Prediction for Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Future

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for 2025 has been the talk of the Formula 1 paddock, but it’s Sergio Perez’s recent comments about Hamilton’s potential success in 2026 that have captured attention. Speaking candidly on The F1 Show, the future Cadillac F1 driver shared his insights about the seven-time world champion’s prospects when F1 enters its new regulatory era. With significant changes on the horizon for 2026, including revolutionary powertrain systems combining electric power with sustainable fuel and dramatic chassis modifications, the sport stands at the precipice of transformation. These changes could potentially reshape the competitive landscape and, according to Perez, might play directly into Hamilton’s hands after his challenging adaptation to the current generation of ground effect cars.

The current F1 cars, introduced in 2022, marked a dramatic shift in design philosophy with their ground effect aerodynamics. These machines have proven particularly challenging for certain drivers to master, with Hamilton being perhaps the most notable example. Since 2022, Mercedes’ performance decline has coincided with Hamilton’s longest winless streak in his career until his recent victory at Silverstone. The timing couldn’t have been more unfortunate for Hamilton, who narrowly missed securing a record-breaking eighth championship in 2021 before the regulation changes upended the competitive order. Now at Mercedes and soon to be at Ferrari, Hamilton has struggled to find the same harmony with his machinery that previously made him nearly unstoppable. This difficulty in adaptation has led many, including Perez, to suggest that the current generation of cars simply doesn’t suit Hamilton’s natural driving style.

“I think this era of cars that we’re currently in, with the ground effect cars, it’s been tricky,” Perez explained thoughtfully. “But with Lewis, you’ve seen it, he’s done a tremendous job at Mercedes when they didn’t have a competitive car. I think for him, at the end of an era, to be changing teams and getting to adapt has been tricky.” Perez’s comments carry particular weight given his own struggles with the current regulations at Red Bull Racing. Despite having the dominant car of the field, Perez found himself increasingly outpaced by teammate Max Verstappen, eventually leading to his departure from the team. This shared experience seems to have given Perez a unique perspective on Hamilton’s challenges, fostering a sense of mutual understanding between the two veteran drivers who have both experienced the highs and lows of Formula 1’s ever-evolving technical landscape.

The 2026 regulations represent perhaps the most radical shift in Formula 1’s technical DNA in decades. Cars will be powered by a 50/50 split between electric power and internal combustion engines running on sustainable fuel—a dramatic increase in electrical power compared to the current hybrid systems. The chassis will be lighter and more compact, featuring narrower tires and active aerodynamics that promise to fundamentally change how these machines handle on track. For Hamilton, who will be 41 by then and in his second season with Ferrari, these changes could represent a return to a driving style that better suits his natural talents. Perez’s prediction suggests that Hamilton’s adaptability and experience might finally pay dividends when the technical slate is wiped clean, potentially giving the British champion one last opportunity to secure that elusive eighth world title that would move him clear of Michael Schumacher in the record books.

Perez himself appears optimistic about his own prospects under the new regulations. “I’ve done well in previous eras. So yeah, I do expect that the new regulations will suit my style,” he stated with confidence. This belief in his adaptability to different car concepts has likely played a role in securing his future with Cadillac F1, the sport’s eleventh team set to join the grid. Alongside veteran driver Valtteri Bottas, Perez will be tasked with establishing the American manufacturer as a competitive force in Formula 1. The Mexican driver’s wealth of experience across different regulatory eras and with multiple teams gives him valuable perspective on how technical changes can reshape driver fortunes—making his predictions about Hamilton’s future performance particularly intriguing to both fans and analysts alike.

The mutual respect between Perez and Hamilton shines through in the former’s comments. “He’s a fantastic driver. And for sure, he’ll figure it out,” Perez said, acknowledging Hamilton’s legendary status in the sport. “I think we’ve seen it with many different drivers, that it’s all about adapting a car into a driving style that sometimes it just takes a little bit longer than others.” This professional admiration speaks to the camaraderie that often exists between Formula 1 drivers who understand the unique challenges they each face. As both Hamilton and Perez prepare to embark on new chapters in their careers—Hamilton with the iconic Ferrari team and Perez with the newcomer Cadillac outfit—their paths continue to be shaped by the technical evolution of Formula 1. When the 2026 regulations finally arrive, bringing with them a fresh start for everyone on the grid, it will be fascinating to see if Perez’s prediction about Hamilton’s renaissance comes to fruition, potentially writing one final glorious chapter in the career of one of the sport’s greatest ever competitors.