Ex-Hamilton ally reveals key factor behind striking Ferrari resurgence

Speaking on the latest episode of Mercedes' Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Allison discussed the different driving characteristics of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli before turning his attention to Hamilton, with whom he worked during the Briton's highly successful spell at Mercedes.

The technical director pointed to Hamilton's remarkable confidence when approaching the apex of a corner, identifying it as a defining characteristic of his driving style.

"I think that's one of the reasons why Lewis is having something of a sort of Indian summer in his career because that was always Lewis's great strength is hurling the car to the apex, trusting that he's going to manage the thing as it gets to the apex," Allison explained.

Hamilton's resurgence in 2026 has coincided with the introduction of a new generation of Formula 1 cars, which appear better suited to his driving preferences than the ground-effect machinery used between 2022 and 2025.

After enduring his first podium-less Grand Prix season in 2025, the seven-time world champion returned to the podium in China before securing consecutive second-place finishes in Canada and Monaco. His breakthrough came in Barcelona, where he claimed his first Grand Prix victory for Ferrari.

The improvement followed a difficult debut campaign at Maranello, during which Hamilton repeatedly struggled to extract the performance he wanted from the car. However, the Briton also pushed for significant changes behind the scenes, including adjustments to the team's engineering structure and technical approach.

Following his Barcelona victory, Hamilton explained how those efforts had contributed to his turnaround: "The changes that I've asked for and pushed for all last year have been made and I now have the right team around me, I now have the right car around me, and now I can start doing what I do best."

Nevertheless, the 41-year-old has continued to encounter difficulties as the season has progressed. Following the United States Grand Prix in October, Hamilton admitted that imperfect set-up choices cost him valuable points in recent races: "I think it has come from set-up, not perfect, the set-up. That's something I really have to get on top of. That's where I have lost out."