Hamilton Addresses Ferrari Future; Verstappen Sees No Pressure in Title Race

Lewis Hamilton has clarified his contract situation amid Ferrari rumors, stating it's too early for 2026 discussions. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, currently P3 in the championship, downplayed pressure on himself, shifting it to McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as the F1 circus heads to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's future driver lineup, particularly regarding a potential Hamilton extension, remains a significant talking point, influencing driver market dynamics. Concurrently, Verstappen's calm approach to the championship chase, despite being behind Norris and Piastri, sets an intriguing tone for the final races, especially at a circuit where he has historically excelled.

The details:

• Hamilton's Contract Talk: The seven-time world champion addressed speculation about his future with Ferrari, stating that contract discussions typically happen a year before they are due. He emphasized that he is "a little bit far from that right now," indicating no immediate discussions are underway for his 2026 contract.
• Championship Standings: As the season progresses, Lando Norris leads the Drivers' Championship with 357 points, closely followed by Oscar Piastri with 356 points. Max Verstappen is in third place, 36 points behind Norris, with 321 points.
• Verstappen's Perspective: Despite trailing, Verstappen asserted that the pressure is on the two McLarens, Norris and Piastri. He views a third-place finish as the "worst-case scenario" for himself, suggesting a relaxed approach to his title pursuit.
• 2026 Driver Line-ups: While Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies indicated no rush to finalize their 2026 driver pairing, other teams are making moves. Notably, Franco Colapinto is expected to be announced as Pierre Gasly's teammate at Alpine for the upcoming season.

The big picture:

The F1 season is heating up as it heads into its final stages. The battle for the Drivers' Championship is tight, with the top three drivers separated by just 36 points. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos is a crucial race, known for its unpredictable nature and fan-favorite moments. Off-track, the driver market for 2026 is beginning to take shape, with significant decisions looming for several teams and drivers.

What's next:

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix at the iconic Interlagos circuit will be critical for the championship contenders. Max Verstappen will be looking to leverage his strong past performances at this track to close the gap on Norris and Piastri. Meanwhile, the paddock will continue to monitor updates on driver contract negotiations, especially for 2026, as teams look to solidify their future lineups.