Usain Bolt expressed his confidence that Lewis Hamilton can return to competing at the top of Formula 1 with Ferrari, although he clarified that the process will not be immediate and will require adaptation to the new context.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and his recent performance in Formula 1 continue to generate analysis from different spheres, even outside motorsport. In that context, Usain Bolt, one of the most dominant athletes in the history of world sport, spoke about the British driver’s present and projected a possible return to the fight for the front positions.
Hamilton is going through a transition period after closing a historic chapter with Mercedes and facing a difficult 2025 season, without his usual results. For Bolt, that context does not invalidate his competitive ability, but is instead part of a natural process when an athlete changes environment and working structure.
The former Jamaican sprinter argued that having been at the top for so many years gives Hamilton a particular advantage. As he explained, someone who has already reached the highest level knows what steps must be taken to do it again, even after a tough period. In his view, accumulated knowledge is a decisive factor.
The arrival of new technical regulations in 2026 also emerges as a key element in this analysis. With major changes to the cars, the championship will enter a different stage, where experience and adaptability can make the difference. In that scenario, Hamilton stands out as one of the drivers with the greatest background to interpret new contexts.
Bolt clarified that returning to the highest level will not be automatic. He believes the adaptation process at Ferrari may take time, especially within a structure with its own dynamics and constant pressure for results. For the Jamaican, that period could extend one or two seasons before seeing the Brit fully comfortable.
Beyond the timeline, Bolt emphasized that he does not doubt the potential of the seven-time world champion. In his view, age is not a determining factor, but rather motivation and the ability to keep learning within a competitive environment.
Ferrari, for its part, is entering a new phase with renewed expectations. The combination of a historically accomplished driver and a regulatory change raises questions about the project’s ceiling, but also generates constant attention on every step Hamilton takes within the team.
Bolt’s support adds an external perspective that focuses on the mindset of a champion. From his personal experience, he understands that great comebacks are not always immediate, but they are possible when conviction and method are present.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Hamilton’s figure is once again at the center of debate. With a new technical context and a different challenge, the possibility of seeing him back in the main fight remains open, even for those watching the sport from outside Formula 1.