Jenson Button has pointed out that Lewis Hamilton’s recent return to competitiveness is mainly linked to the new generation of Formula 1 cars that better suit his driving style, and not only to his adaptation to Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion has made significant progress this season, achieving a podium at the Chinese Grand Prix, in addition to two second places at the Canadian Grand Prix and in Monaco, before celebrating his first victory with Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Hamilton moved to Ferrari at the beginning of 2025 after a long 12-year career with Mercedes, where he faced difficulties in his first season with the Maranello team. While Button acknowledges that his adaptation to the team has been an important factor this year, he believes that changes in vehicle regulations have had a greater influence on his return to form.
“During the winter, I’m sure they had time to discuss what worked for him and what didn’t,” Button commented during an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 show. “The relationship between the driver and the engineer is always complicated, especially after leaving someone like Bono, with whom he had a very close relationship at Mercedes. But I think the main key is the car, which suits his driving style better.”
Button concluded that while the new relationship with the team has been essential, the nature of the vehicle is what makes the biggest difference, with a car that feels more familiar to Hamilton. “We’re going back to a car that is more natural. It’s a Formula 1 car that we’re used to talking about.”
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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