What is going on with Lewis Hamilton ahead of 2026 F1 season

Hamilton and Hynes have separated amicably for the second time in their careers, with Hynes set to take on a new role at Cadillac. Hynes has been by Hamilton's side for most of the Briton's career, stepping into a more in-depth role from 2016-2021. Hynes served as Chief Executive for Hamilton's Project 44. However, the pair parted ways at the end of 2021, before reuniting at Ferrari in 2025.

This news came shortly after the first initial private tests of the 2026 cars, where Hamilton reportedly set the fastest overall time around the Barcelona Circuit in Spain. The Brit clocked an unofficial 1:16.348, on the final day of testing with Ferrari. The pace at the Barcelona tests is likely unrepresentative, but having the fastest lap could be a small sign of progress for Ferrari.

A huge rumour surrounding Hamilton currently, is that he is dating American model, Kim Kardashian. The pair were reportedly spotted at the Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire, and according to The Sun, the pair wanted to keep this meeting "very quiet."

Whilst Hamilton has known Kardashian for a long time, this is the first time that the pair have been linked romantically.

After it was indicated that Hamilton would continue with Riccardo Adami as his race engineer, it was decided that the Italian will take on a different role within Ferrari this year. Hamilton and Adami experienced some difficulties during the 2025 season, and a new race engineer could benefit Hamilton exponentially. The Brit enjoyed an excellent relationship with Peter Bonnington 'Bono' at Mercedes, where communication was evidently clear and concise, unlike what Hamilton has experienced at Ferrari so far.

Hamilton has also reportedly lost his Ferrari PR officer, Ella Yeboah, after just one season working together at Ferrari. Evidently, Ferrari have been moving some of their pieces around the board in order to ensure that Hamilton exceeds to the best of his capabilities in 2026.

The seven-time world champion is a veteran of the sport and has shown incredible ability in adapting to new environments before, winning the F1 championship in just his second season with McLaren in 2008, before winning his second title in 2014, during his second season at Mercedes. With 2026 being his second season at Ferrari, and with some fundamental changes, could this be Hamilton's year?