Alex Albon believes Lewis Hamilton could be the big winner of F1\u2019s 2026 reset, tipping the seven-time World Champion to thrive under the new rules.<\/p>\n
Last season, Formula 1 bid farewell to the ground-effect aerodynamic machines, bringing an end to Hamilton\u2019s most trying period in the sport.<\/p>\n
Alex Albon backs Lewis Hamilton for F1 2026 success<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> to your favourites list for news you can trust<\/p>\n The seven-time champion secured just two grand prix wins during the four seasons of ground-effect cars, and last year recorded his first-ever campaign without a single podium on a Sunday.<\/p>\n Struggling with porpoising and Mercedes\u2019 misfiring concept, Hamilton<\/a> left the Brackley squad after 12 seasons and six titles to move to Ferrari in 2025. The blockbuster move failed to reignite his title prospects, with the driver a disappointing P6 in the standings.<\/p>\n Hamilton was notably downbeat last season but cut a very different figure<\/a> during this year\u2019s pre-season testing in Ferrari\u2019s new overbody aerodynamic car.<\/p>\n The Briton wrapped up testing with the seventh-fastest time, 1.4s slower than team-mate Charles Leclerc but only six-tenths down on P2, Kimi Antonelli.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m reset and refreshed,\u201d the 41-year-old wrote on social media. \u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere, so stick with me.<\/p>\n \u201cFor a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support, you\u2019re not going to see that mindset again.<\/p>\n \u201cI know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season. I\u2019ve given everything to be here today. <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go team!\u201d<\/p>\n What we learned from the Bahrain test<\/p>\n F1 2026 vs 2025: Bahrain lap-time data delivers rule change verdict<\/a><\/p>\n F1 testing conclusions: Bring back V10s, fresh Aston Martin hope, secret Ferrari weapon<\/a><\/p>\n The big question, though, is whether Hamilton can win his record eighth World title in the new era.<\/p>\n It could yet happen with Williams driver Albon saying Hamilton\u2019s driving style will suit the smaller, lighter cars with their movable front and rear wings.<\/p>\n That question was put to Albon as he and Carlos Sainz took part in a Q&A on Williams\u2019 official YouTube channel.<\/p>\n \u201cWeird question, but interesting,\u201d said Albon.<\/p>\n \u201cI have my person. I don\u2019t think I should say it, but I think I have my person.\u201d<\/p>\n Pressured for an answer by Sainz, the Thai-British racer said: \u201cI think it\u2019s Lewis. <\/p>\n \u201cI think, lighter cars. I think that his style suits these cars a bit more. This feeling of, he makes the corners really short and he doesn\u2019t focus on exits. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s the worst thing in these cars.\u201d<\/p>\n Sainz replied: \u201cInteresting. Bold statement.\u201d<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n