Sergio Perez is confident that Lewis Hamilton will eventually find his footing at Ferrari, despite the Briton’s rocky first season with the Scuderia.
The Mexican, who will return to the grid next year with Cadillac, also believes the 2026 regulations could provide both him and Hamilton with a much-needed boost.
Since making his sensational switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, Hamilton has endured a frustrating campaign, failing to reach the podium and suffering a series of painful results before the summer break.
He was eliminated early in qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix and later lapped in Hungary, finishing well outside the points.
Perez, however, is not writing off the seven-time world champion.
“I think this era of cars that we’re currently in with the ground effect cars, it’s been tricky but I think with Lewis you’ve seen it,” Perez said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“He’s done a tremendous job at Mercedes when they didn’t have a competitive car.
“I think for him, at the end of an era, to be changing teams and getting to adapt has been tricky but obviously he’s a fantastic driver and for sure he will figure it out.”
Perez emphasized that adapting to a new car and team can take time, particularly when a driver’s style doesn’t immediately mesh with the machinery.
“I think we’ve seen it with many different drivers, it’s all about adapting a car into a driving style that sometimes just takes a little bit longer than others."
A New Era for Perez and Hamilton
Looking ahead to 2026, Perez is optimistic that the upcoming regulation changes, which will introduce new car designs and power units, could suit both his and Hamilton’s driving styles.
“I have done well in previous eras so I do expect the new regulations will suit my style,” he stated confidently.
The Mexican driver, who has competed through multiple regulatory shifts in his 15-year F1 career, sees the overhaul as an opportunity to reset and capitalize on his experience.
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Paired at Cadillac with Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, Perez will form part of the third-most experienced driver lineup on the 2026 grid, behind only Ferrari and Aston Martin.
The 34-year-old is eager to team up with the Finn, citing their shared hunger and perspective.
“Definitely. I think it’s going to work well,” Perez explained.
“We’re both very competitive. We’re both very hungry. We’ve seen it all in the sport as well which I think definitely helps. We’re very motivated to be back.
“Obviously, Valtteri is half in already. I am really happy to be out of the sport for a year.
“I am not looking forward to go to any races this year, and I am happy to see them from the TV as there’s a lot of races coming up for us in the next years.”
With Hamilton battling to adapt at Ferrari and Perez gearing up for a return alongside Bottas, both veterans are betting on F1’s next era to level the playing field.
If Perez is right, 2026 could mark a turning point not only for himself but for Hamilton’s pursuit of success in red.
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