Hamilton Fueled for Mexico Battle After Ferrari Qualifying Breakthrough

Lewis Hamilton is ready to unleash his inner fighter at the Mexico City Grand Prix, promising an “aggressive” start on Sunday after securing his best qualifying result since joining Ferrari. The seven-time world champion set the third fastest lap, signaling a potential game-changer in the 71-lap showdown as he eyes an end to his 19-race podium drought.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's qualifying performance in Mexico marks a significant turning point in his debut season with Ferrari. After a challenging start, securing P3 — his best Grand Prix qualifying with the Scuderia — injects crucial confidence and provides a strong platform to end his longest-ever podium drought. This breakthrough suggests Hamilton is finally adapting to the Ferrari car, which could reshape the team's dynamics and competitive outlook for the remainder of the season and into 2026.

The details:

• Qualifying Performance: Hamilton qualified P3 for the Mexico City Grand Prix, just behind Lando Norris (pole) and teammate Charles Leclerc. This is his best Grand Prix qualifying result since joining Ferrari, surpassed only by his sprint pole in Shanghai earlier this year.
• Strategic Start: Hamilton expressed gratitude for starting P3, noting the dirty track on the inside of P2. He plans an “aggressive” start, aiming to utilize the tow effect down to Turn 1.
• Team Progress: Hamilton highlighted Ferrari's collective effort, stating, “This is the first time we've both [Hamilton and Leclerc] been in the top three in qualifying this year, and the team truly deserve it.” He credited improved processes and better extraction of performance from the car, rather than significant development upgrades.
• Driver Adaptation: After months of adjustment, Hamilton feels he is “finally figuring out how to drive this car” — a sentiment echoing his struggle to adapt to the Ferrari's characteristics, which Leclerc has driven for seven years. This indicates a growing synergy between car and driver.
• Partnership with Leclerc: Hamilton praised the collaborative effort with Charles Leclerc in developing the car, noting that their cars are now “pretty much identical,” suggesting a unified approach to car setup and feedback.

The big picture:

Hamilton's renewed confidence and strong qualifying performance come at a critical time. His previous longest podium drought with Mercedes was eight races, making the current 19-race streak a significant personal challenge. Breaking this streak would not only be a morale boost for Hamilton but also a testament to Ferrari's ongoing efforts to improve their car and operational efficiency. This performance in Mexico, a circuit known for its strategic complexity and high-altitude challenges, could be a bellwether for Ferrari's competitiveness in the final races of the season and their preparations for 2026.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Sunday's 71-lap race as Hamilton aims to convert his strong qualifying into a podium finish. His declared “aggressive” approach, combined with Ferrari’s improving balance, sets the stage for a compelling battle. Success in Mexico would not only end his podium drought but also signal a significant personal and team breakthrough, potentially energizing Ferrari's push for stronger results in the remaining races of the season.