Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Resurgence: The Seven-Time Champ Reminds F1 Who He Is

After a challenging 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton is finding his stride behind the wheel of his Ferrari. With multiple podiums and a second-place standing in the championship, the British driver feels it’s time to remind everyone of his legendary career achievements.

The least one can say is that Lewis Hamilton has no intention of letting 2025 be the only image people remember of his Ferrari debut. The 2026 Formula 1 season, which started with a bang, sees him collecting podiums and repositioning himself as a serious contender, even if Kimi Antonelli and his Mercedes still seem out of reach. In the 7 races contested so far, Hamilton already boasts 4 podiums, a performance that starkly contrasts with the difficulties of the previous year.

The Monaco Grand Prix, host of the fifth round, once again illustrated this positive dynamic. While victory eluded him, a second-place finish on the winding streets of the principality, despite a penalty for speeding in the pit lane (served under safety car conditions with no significant impact), demonstrates a renewed consistency. The Briton navigated the twists and turns, including an investigation for a safety car infraction that ultimately resulted in a clearance, proving his race management and focus remain intact.

Hamilton, the Seven-Time Champion’s Return to Remind Everyone of His Past Glories

Hamilton deeply feels this return to the forefront. After a 2025 season where adaptation seemed to be the keyword, the seven-time world champion believes he has now rediscovered his rhythm and full potential within the Scuderia. The current performances are not solely the result of an improved car but also of a refined race approach, as he himself highlighted in a press conference.

“To get two second places, especially after a good race in Montreal where a lot of people said, ‘Yeah, but he’s always fast there’…,” he confided, pointing to a need to reassert his value. “I feel like I’m in a period where I have to remind people who I am.” A statement that sounds like a warning to the competition, but also a message to his fans who may have doubted during the previous season. From now on, he intends to demonstrate it weekend after weekend.

Renewed Confidence and a United Team

Beyond his performances, it’s the renewed enthusiasm within the Ferrari team that seems to fuel Lewis Hamilton. He emphasizes the trust his new employers place in him and the fulfillment of the commitments made when he was recruited. “I also think it’s nice to see this renewed enthusiasm within the team, as well as the confidence they have in me and in the decision to have recruited me. So I’m very happy.”

The British driver is fully savoring his return to the top, recalling the privilege of driving for the Scuderia and being among the 22 best drivers in the world. He experiences this journey with sincere gratitude, testifying to constant progress and an intact love for competition. “Honestly, it’s incredible to be here and it’s a real privilege to be here still, to be driving for Ferrari, to still be one of the 22 drivers in this championship and to be in front of all these fans. It’s an extraordinary experience and something I genuinely love, so I’m grateful to have progressed.”

Monaco: A Missed Opportunity but Lessons Learned

The Monaco Grand Prix could have been the scene of Hamilton’s first victory with Ferrari. During the second start, after the red flag, he found himself in a position to challenge Kimi Antonelli. Despite a bold attempt, he couldn’t capitalize, with the Italian maintaining his lead. “I was thinking about winning,” Hamilton admitted. “I was thinking about overtaking him right at the start! No, it was an opportunity, but unfortunately, we practically had the same start.”

While victory eluded him, this Monaco weekend nevertheless provided valuable insights for the development of the SF-26. Hamilton was able to analyze more precisely the areas needing improvement, especially compared to the current benchmark, Antonelli’s Mercedes. “It was nevertheless a good experience, as it gives me a much clearer idea of the direction the team needs to progress, not only through what I feel in the car but also through what I observe,” he explained.

He particularly points out a deficit in aerodynamic downforce and traction compared to the competition. “In terms of overall performance. In downforce, they are clearly ahead of us. Here, engine power isn’t really a determining factor. It’s mainly downforce. You could see that in traction, they were in a different league compared to us.” Crucial observations for the engineers in Maranello.

The First Victory in Red, and Beyond?

With this solid start to the season, Lewis Hamilton has not only regained his place on the podiums but also second position in the drivers’ championship, just 66 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Victory, the ultimate goal, seems more within reach than ever.

But Hamilton looks further ahead. The seven-time world champion does not rule out aiming for a title with the Scuderia. He emphasizes the importance of the support from his team principal, Fred Vasseur, with whom he shares a relationship of trust forged in difficult times. “I couldn’t have done it without this team, without the reliability we have, nor without Fred [Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal]. Fred has been tremendous in his support.”

He acknowledges that the hunt is on and that the task will be arduous against formidable opponents. However, his determination remains intact. “The season is still very long, so we have to keep attacking. In reality, it’s easier to chase someone than to defend a position, in sports as in life. These guys are very fast and their team is exceptional, but we will continue to push, continue to chase them, and I have no doubt that at some point, we will get there.”

Key Takeaways from This Return to Form

Hamilton Regains His Level: After a complicated 2025 season, the Briton is showing impressive form with Ferrari in 2026.
Clear Ambitions: The seven-time world champion isn’t content with podiums; he’s aiming for victory and, perhaps, a title with the Scuderia.
Crucial Development: Lessons learned in Monaco are essential for Ferrari to close the aerodynamic gap to Mercedes.
Mutual Trust: The relationship between Hamilton and the Ferrari team, particularly with Fred Vasseur, appears to be a key driver of this resurgence.
The Hunt is On: Despite being 66 points behind Antonelli, Hamilton is ready to do whatever it takes to close the championship gap.

[lui qui a remporté sept victoires sur le circuit Gilles Villeneuve]

[Mercedes]

[avec le leader du championnat]