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Lewis Hamilton continues to pursue the ambition of winning an eighth Formula 1 drivers’ championship, a milestone that narrowly slipped from his grasp at the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. That race remains infamous in F1 history due to the unprecedented decisions of then-FIA race director Michael Masi, who intervened to prevent the race from finishing under the safety car. Many argue that Masi’s actions unfairly denied Lewis Hamilton a record-setting eighth championship, and since that day, the British driver has been determined to return to the top of the championship standings.
After struggling with Mercedes’ adaptation to the ground-effect regulations introduced in 2022, Lewis Hamilton made the move to Ferrari in 2025, seeking a fresh challenge and the chance to contend for another world title. However, his first season in red proved particularly challenging. Hamilton described the 2025 campaign as his “worst season ever,” finishing without a single Grand Prix podium for the first time in his career and accumulating only 156 points—the lowest total he has ever scored under the modern F1 scoring system. Charles Leclerc also faced difficulties with the SF-25, highlighting the learning curve Ferrari experienced during the season.
Johnny Herbert: Comfort in the car is key for Lewis Hamilton’s eighth title
Looking ahead to 2026, Lewis Hamilton is hopeful that Ferrari have successfully interpreted the new F1 regulations, giving him a platform to challenge for the championship once again. Legendary former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton still has the talent and experience to win an eighth title, provided he can feel completely comfortable in the Ferrari SF-26.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations represent the most significant technical overhaul in the sport’s history, with major changes affecting engines, tyres, chassis, and aerodynamics simultaneously. Early indications suggest that Ferrari’s power unit may slightly lag behind Mercedes’, while the FIA is reportedly planning a close review of Ferrari’s aerodynamic package. Despite these challenges, Herbert believes that Lewis Hamilton’s racecraft, consistency, and tyre management remain as strong as ever, even if raw pace can naturally decline with age.
Johnny Herbert emphasised that the main factor for the Briton to succeed will be achieving complete comfort in the car. He explained that while mistakes can appear as drivers get older, and pace may decline, Lewis Hamilton’s experience and racecraft are intact. If all these elements align and the car suits his driving style, Herbert believes that the Ferrari man can still challenge for, and potentially win, his elusive eighth F1 title.
Lewis Hamilton was denied his eighth F1 title at Abu Dhabi 2021
In December 2021, Lewis Hamilton was on the verge of making history by securing an eighth F1 drivers’ championship. He was just one lap away from the title when Max Verstappen executed a dramatic last-lap overtake that shocked the motorsport world. This manoeuvre was enabled by Michael Masi’s controversial interpretation of the rules, allowing only the lapped cars directly between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves. This decision left Lewis Hamilton vulnerable, enabling Verstappen to pit for fresh tyres and ultimately win the championship by eight points.
Many within the sport contend that, without Masi’s intervention, Lewis Hamilton would have won both the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and his eighth world championship. Since that dramatic finale, Hamilton has been determined to return to the championship fight, now focused on the 2026 season as he attempts to secure what was denied to him five years ago.
With Ferrari developing the SF-26 under the 2026 regulations, Lewis Hamilton’s focus is on adapting to the new car and extracting maximum performance. If he can achieve the level of comfort that Johnny Herbert identifies as critical, the seven-time world champion could still add an eighth drivers’ title to his record, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest in Formula 1 history alongside his teammate Charles Leclerc.
Feb 4, 2026
