Button’s cautionary note about the next rules reset
Jenson Button has sounded a warning about Lewis Hamilton’s long-term prospects in Formula 1, suggesting the seven-time world champion’s future could hinge on what happens in 2026. That season will usher in the sport’s next major regulation overhaul, with new power unit rules and a fresh aerodynamic framework intended to change the competitive landscape once again.
Why 2026 matters to Hamilton
After a tough first year at Ferrari — which has yet to yield a podium after 18 rounds — Hamilton and the Scuderia face a pivotal transition. The next rules cycle tends to shuffle the competitive order; teams that interpret and execute early can unlock multi-year advantages. Button’s message, in essence, is that Hamilton’s pathway back to regular victory contention could depend on how effectively Ferrari lands its 2026 concept.
The bigger picture at Ferrari
Ferrari has shown flashes of pace but also inconsistency in the current era. As the team navigates 2025’s final year of the existing rules, laying the groundwork for 2026 becomes critical: architecture, integration of the power unit and chassis, and operational sharpness across race weekends. For Hamilton, who has built his legacy on being in the right place when a new era begins, the coming reset may be decisive.
Source: F1i.com
