Hamilton 'fired up' for F1 return as Ferrari chase Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton says he is "fired up" for Formula 1's return in Miami as his Ferrari team prepares upgrades to close the gap to dominant championship leaders Mercedes. The seven-time champion revealed a significant power deficit hampered his last race in Japan, but believes the team has identified and fixed the issue ahead of a crucial development phase.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was meant to reignite a title challenge, but the team finds itself playing catch-up to Mercedes in the new 2026 regulatory era. His candid assessment of a "tall order" to close the performance gap without a power unit upgrade underscores the scale of Ferrari's challenge. The team's ability to develop its car and potentially its engine in the coming months will be critical to transforming early podium promise into consistent victories.

The details:

• Season Resumption: The F1 season resumes in Miami after a five-week break, with Ferrari second in the constructors' standings and Hamilton fourth in the drivers' championship.
• Hamilton's Mindset: The British driver stated he feels "very fresh" and "fired up for the second stab at it" after using the break for intense simulator and factory work.
• The Power Deficit: Hamilton believes Ferrari is down on power compared to both Mercedes and the new Red Bull-Ford unit, calling it a "really tall order" to close the gap through aerodynamic upgrades alone.
  • He explained that to catch up, Ferrari must out-develop rivals at a disproportionate rate: "if a team brings a tenth, we need to bring two."
• Japanese GP Issues: Analysis after his sixth-place finish in Japan revealed a car systems issue, unrelated to the engine itself, that cost him "eight to nine tenths" on the straights. The team claims to have resolved this problem.
• Upgrade Push: Ferrari, like most teams, will bring a significant car upgrade to Miami. They are also hopeful of securing an engine upgrade in the season's first ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) window.

What's next:

All eyes are on Miami to see if Ferrari's developments can translate into a tangible step forward. The weekend's Sprint format will provide an immediate test of their progress. Hamilton's call for a power unit upgrade highlights a key strategic battleground for the season, with Ferrari's long-term competitiveness likely hinging on matching Mercedes' engine performance as much as its chassis development.