Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari could well be in for a boost with the introduction of new regulations next year, suggests former Haas principal Guenther Steiner. Despite not having reached the podium this season, the seven-time world champion has managed to secure a top 10 finish 18 times.
His team-mate Charles Leclerc, however, has been stealing the limelight, having made it to the podium seven times this year. Steiner believes that the upcoming changes could work in Hamilton’s favour as he heads into the new year.
Speaking to Lottoland, he said: “Hopefully Lewis can come back. “He never liked the ground effect cars, the cars under the current regulations. Next year, there is no ground effect anymore, so let’s see what he can do then.
“He will have been a year at Ferrari, he knows their culture, he’s more mature at Ferrari.
“Let’s see what happens next year.
“And if it isn’t happening next year, I think there will be some changes coming.”
Should there be no improvement next year, Steiner thinks retirement might be on the cards for the driver.
He commented: “I think we all had too high expectations, the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, a GOAT, going to Ferrari, the most iconic Formula One team.
“And then, obviously beginning of this year, reality hits.
“For sure he’s giving himself next year to see where he’s at, and if he’s competitive for sure he’s staying longer.
“But if he’s not competitive, he’s over 40 now, he may be closer to the day.”
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Lewis Hamilton joined Ferreri for the 2025 F1 season(Image: Getty Images)
When the regulatory changes were unveiled, FIA Single Seater Technical Director Nikolas Tombazis explained: “With this set of regulations the FIA has sought to develop a new generation of cars that are fully in touch with the DNA of Formula 1.
“Cars that are light, supremely fast and agile but which also remains at the cutting edge of technology, and to achieve this we worked towards what we called a ‘nimble car’ concept.”
The maximum wheelbase has been slashed to 3400mm, whilst the width has been trimmed to 1900mm. Vehicles must now weigh a minimum of 768kg, representing a 30kg reduction.