The new regulations for the 2026 F1 season are already shaking things up ahead of the campaign, with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton standing as a title contender, per Williams driver Alex Albon.
Alex Albon Says ‘Lighter Cars’ Give Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton an Edge in F1 Title Race
Bahrain testing delivered a whole bunch of shocking revelations, including Ferrari’s dominant lap times. George Russell might have been the early favorite due to Mercedes’s engine compression trick, but there’s still a lot to learn about the 2026 field.
From the race starts to battery management, F1 will see its biggest haul of changes in a very long time. While many are complaining about the new rules, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and Ferrari seems to be among the biggest opportunists.
Not only did the Prancing Horse’s reverse rear wing and smaller turbo turn heads, but Hamilton is suddenly among the favorites to contend for the title. Albon is among the drivers who think Ferrari’s preseason testing is indicative of what could come in 2026.
“Alex Albon believes Lewis Hamilton could emerge as a major contender in F1’s 2026 season, attributing this potential success to the new regulations.”
Speaking to the media, Albon expressed confidence in Hamilton’s adaptability: “I think it’s Lewis.”
🚨| Alex Albon makes bold Lewis Hamilton call for F1 2026:
— Alex Albon believes Lewis Hamilton could emerge as a major contender in F1’s 2026 season, attributing this potential success to the new regulations. Speaking to media, Albon expressed confidence in Hamilton’s… pic.twitter.com/anf7ITWuUu
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) February 24, 2026
While there are many factors that’ll play into drivers’ success under the new regulations, the Williams driver highlighted the size of the new cars as key to Hamilton’s success.
“I think, lighter cars,” Albon said. “I think that his style suits these cars a bit more. This feeling of, he makes the corners really short, and he doesn’t focus on exits. I don’t think that’s the worst thing in these cars.”
As for Hamilton, Bahrain gave him a lot of hope for the upcoming season. Claiming all of the fastest laps along with teammate Charles Leclerc, the Tifosi might finally see its first title in almost 20 years.
“I’m reset and refreshed,” said the seven-time World Champion. “I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me… For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support, you’re not going to see that mindset again… I know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season. I’ve given everything to be here today.”
Ferrari finally has the car. They have the drivers. Now it comes down to overcoming their history of strategy blunders if they are to deliver an F1 title to Italy again.
