Ross Brawn has shared a positive outlook regarding Lewis Hamilton’s prospects ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, expressing confidence that the British driver could rediscover the form that defined his most successful years in the sport.

According to Brawn, the upcoming regulation changes and a renewed sense of opportunity could be exactly what Hamilton needs to return to his very best.

“I believe we could witness a classic version of Lewis again,” Brawn stated, suggesting that the seven-time world champion still has the ability and motivation to perform at the highest level.

Now 71 years old, Brawn has a long and distinguished history in Formula 1, including a decade spent working with Ferrari. His deep connection to the Italian team remains strong, and he spoke openly about his desire to see Hamilton succeed at Maranello. Reflecting on his own experiences, Brawn acknowledged both the prestige and the pressure that come with being part of Ferrari.

“I think everyone would like to see him succeed,” Brawn explained in an interview with Sky Sports F1. “Ferrari holds a special place in my heart because I spent ten years there. I understand how demanding that environment can be.”

Brawn went on to describe how success at Ferrari often depends on delicate chemistry within the team. He noted that sometimes everything aligns perfectly, while at other times the necessary cohesion fails to materialize. In his view, Ferrari struggled to find that balance during the previous season, which may have contributed to Hamilton’s difficulties.

“There’s always a very fine margin between a team truly coming together and falling just short,” Brawn said. “Last year, things didn’t quite click. But if Lewis is given the right motivation and can see a genuine opportunity ahead, I truly believe we’ll see a vintage Lewis Hamilton again. That’s what I’m hoping for.”

Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari proved to be one of the toughest campaigns of his illustrious career. Despite his reputation as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, he endured a difficult debut year, failing to secure a single podium finish and setting several unwanted records along the way. These struggles stood in stark contrast to expectations surrounding his high-profile move to the Scuderia.

Nevertheless, there was one bright moment during the season. Hamilton managed to taste victory during the Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, providing a rare highlight in an otherwise challenging year. Notably, Hamilton and Brawn have a shared history, having worked together briefly during their time at Mercedes, adding further weight to Brawn’s belief in the driver’s capabilities.

Looking ahead, Hamilton himself has acknowledged the scale of the task facing Ferrari under the upcoming 2026 regulations. Following the unveiling of Ferrari’s new challenger, the British driver admitted that the team faces a significant challenge if it hopes to return to winning ways. After completing a short shakedown run at Fiorano, Hamilton emphasized that the primary objective is to overcome the issues that hindered Ferrari’s performance last season.

Despite the obstacles, Hamilton remains optimistic. He views the regulation overhaul as a valuable opportunity for Ferrari to reset, learn from past mistakes, and make meaningful progress in car development. The changes could allow the team to close gaps and potentially reestablish itself as a title contender.

As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, anticipation continues to build. Fans eager for the latest insights and behind-the-scenes developments can stay informed through GPBlog’s Paddock Update. With new regulations on the horizon and the promise of renewed competition, all eyes will be on Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton as the sport prepares for its next chapter.