Sainz points to one key factor behind Hamilton's revival: 'The change in regulations was his luck'

The seven-time world champion, having finally broken the curse of his first podium in Ferrari colours, went one step further in Barcelona by securing his maiden victory for the Scuderia. It was Hamilton who was announced as Sainz's replacement a year and a half ago, with the Spaniard subsequently moving to Williams, where he has endured a difficult campaign this season due in large part to an uncompetitive car.

Speaking to MARCA after the race, Sainz stressed that success in Formula 1 often comes down to how well a driver's natural style matches the characteristics of a car. The Spaniard argued that all drivers operate at an extremely high level, with the key differences often determined by how comfortable they feel behind the wheel of a particular package.

Using his own experience as an example, Sainz recalled struggling with a car he did not particularly enjoy driving in 2022 before gradually adapting to it and reaching a much stronger level over the following two seasons.

Later on, Sainz praised Hamilton for managing to turn his situation around, while also suggesting that the arrival of the new regulations has played a significant role in his resurgence. The Spaniard believes the seven-time world champion has benefited from the shift away from the previous generation of cars, arguing that the Hamilton currently seen at Ferrari would likely not have emerged had the old regulations remained in place.

Speaking after the race, Wolff suggested that Hamilton's return to winning ways is the result of a combination of technical, professional and personal factors. The Mercedes team principal believes the 2026 regulations have produced cars that are more aligned with Hamilton's natural driving style, unlike the previous generation of ground-effect machinery, which often appeared less comfortable for the seven-time world champion.

Wolff also pointed to the strong relationship that Hamilton has built with his race engineer and the positive dynamic within the Ferrari garage, both of which he believes have contributed to the Briton's impressive start to life in red. Beyond the technical side, the Austrian jokingly hinted that Hamilton's personal life may also be playing a part, stressing that stability and happiness away from the circuit can often translate into better performances on track.

According to Wolff, Hamilton appears to be in an excellent place both emotionally and professionally, something he felt was evident from the celebrations following the Spanish Grand Prix. In his view, when all aspects of a driver's life are working in harmony, the results are often there to match.