Lewis Hamilton backs revived Ferrari to challenge for Formula 1 title
Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari can reach a “magical place” and challenge for the 2026 Formula 1 championship following a strong start to the season.
The seven-time world champion arrives at this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix aiming to build on the best results of his 17-month career in red.
He has finished as runner-up to Mercedes’ title-leading Kimi Antonelli in each of the last two races.
Chasing the dominant Silver Arrows
Following a difficult 2025 campaign under the previous regulations, the Maranello-based squad currently sit second to unbeaten Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship.
They have successfully secured podium finishes in all but one of the six grands prix held so far this year.
Despite clear mechanical improvements from the Italian outfit, the reigning champions remain an immovable force at the front of the grid.
“It’s going to be tough to beat Mercedes and we’re just working on trying to focus on ourselves and improve each weekend,” said Hamilton.
A rejuvenated force in the paddock
The British driver recently moved ahead of former team-mate George Russell to claim second place in the Drivers’ Championship.
He insists his current racing approach is centred on full attack and continuous commitment to galvanising the team.
The Formula 1 veteran feels the garage now shares a clear vision to guide their development over the coming months.
“If we’re all rowing in the same direction at the same strength, I think we can potentially get to a magical place,” he added.
Working towards pure performance
Hamilton noted that fixing complex technical issues requires immense alignment rather than rapid, overnight solutions.
He believes the early signs in 2026 are highly positive, but stressed that their current form is merely a baseline for future ambitions.
“This is just the beginning really for us as a team. We’ve got more to come; we’ve got more improvements to make.”
“We exist to win and I think we don’t exist to win by default. It’s to win by pure performance and commitment and that’s what we are working towards.”
