F1 LIVE | Hamilton gets massive boost as McLaren eyes 'Everest' challenge

Despite the challenges he has faced since Formula 1’s regulations were overhauled in 2022, Flavio Briatore believes that Lewis Hamilton will flourish when the sport enters its next major technical era in 2026.

Speaking on La Politica nel Pallone on Radio Rai, the Italian — who now serves as executive advisor at Alpine — expressed confidence that Hamilton’s fortunes will soon turn around. Briatore said he expects the Briton to perform significantly better than he has so far this season, during which he has clearly struggled.

As the 2025 campaign draws to a close, Hamilton has yet to reach the podium with his new team, though he did manage to break yet another record previously held by Michael Schumacher.

McLaren marked its second consecutive Constructors’ Championship, clinched in Singapore, with a team-wide celebration at the MTC in Woking. After speeches from CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella, both drivers took the stage to share their thoughts on the team’s achievement — despite having drawn attention for their on-track clash during the Singapore Grand Prix.

At the start of the race, the Australian was unintentionally tagged by his teammate, losing position and ultimately finishing behind him. This time, unlike in Monza, the team opted not to impose any team orders, instead allowing the pair to race each other freely.

The tension, however, seemed to cool down afterwards, even though Piastri appeared visibly frustrated in the post-race interviews. The two have since temporarily buried the hatchet, putting the team’s interests — and the championship triumph — ahead of everything else.