Lewis Hamilton's second season at Ferrari has been a complete transformation compared to his difficult debut year, and now we know what's really driving his resurgence. Two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi is pointing to something most people haven't clocked, and it's got nothing to do with Hamilton suddenly finding his mojo or Ferrari finally getting their act together. The legendary Brazilian driver reckons the new regulations introduced for 2026 are the key to understanding why the seven-time champion is thriving right now.

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Speaking to F1.com, Fittipaldi explained that the smaller, lighter cars with less downforce are fundamentally different beasts to drive. This isn't just about raw pace, it's about the driver having to be sharper and more precise. According to Emerson, these conditions actually bring out a driver's true talent, and that's where Hamilton has really shone. The Briton's exceptional car control and feel for the machine have become massive advantages in this new era, allowing him to extract performance that seemed impossible last year.

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There's also the experience factor that Fittipaldi highlighted. Hamilton is now in his second year with Ferrari, meaning he knows the team's engineers inside and out and understands their systems completely. He's not fumbling around anymore trying to adapt. Combined with his own meticulous approach to development, Hamilton has been able to shape the SF-26 exactly how he wants it. Currently sitting 50 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton has already bagged podiums and that brilliant victory at Barcelona.

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Fellow former world champion Damon Hill added his own perspective, suggesting that Hamilton's reputation and experience mean he's not just accepting what Ferrari gives him. He's actively demanding changes and pushing the team to build a car that suits his driving style, not the other way around. That's classic Hamilton, and it's clearly working. The turnaround has been remarkable to watch, and it proves that when you've got a driver at his level, you can't ever count him out.

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