Guenther Steiner: Ferrari’s car could be the key to reviving Hamilton’s career
Former F1 boss Guenther Steiner believes a competitive car is exactly what Lewis Hamilton needs to bounce back at Ferrari in 2026.
“I believe if Ferrari has a good car next season, it’s possible,” Steiner said in a recent interview with Austrian outlet Krone.
The 60-year-old didn’t hold back when discussing the British driver’s potential comeback after a disappointing season.
“We must never forget that he has a very good teammate in Charles Leclerc. Leclerc has made it onto the podium a few times, but hasn’t won a race. With this car, though, a podium finish was a respectable achievement.”
Steiner thinks next year could be make-or-break for the seven-time world champion.
“If they’re more competitive next season, Lewis will be able to find his motivation again,” he explained.
But the former Haas team principal painted a bleak picture if Ferrari doesn’t step up their game.
“If things continue as they are, next season will certainly be his last in Formula 1. He’s not going to put himself through that again.”
Hamilton’s struggles have been obvious to everyone watching the sport.
“The situation is very difficult for him, as was evident in every interview. So, it will be a pivotal season for him,” Steiner concluded.
Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been nothing short of a nightmare. The British driver failed to land a single podium finish all season – a shocking turn for someone with his incredible track record.
What many hoped would be a dream partnership has instead turned into one of F1’s most disappointing transfers in recent memory.
The Hamilton that almost was
In what might be one of F1’s biggest “what ifs,” former team owner Peter Sauber recently revealed he came close to signing Hamilton years ago.
The Swiss motorsport veteran admitted he held talks with McLaren about bringing Hamilton to his team, but the deal never materialized.
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