Hamilton Gains Momentum Ahead of Brazilian GP, Eyes First Ferrari Podium

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton appears to be regaining his form, with former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer suggesting he's "got a bit of mojo back" as the Brazilian Grand Prix approaches. Despite a challenging debut season with Ferrari, marked by a podium drought, Hamilton's recent performances indicate a potential turnaround.

Why it matters:

After a difficult start to his Ferrari tenure, a resurgence from Hamilton could significantly impact the remainder of the season and provide crucial momentum for 2025. Ending his podium drought would not only be a personal achievement but also a morale boost for Ferrari, validating their long-term investment in the British driver.

The Details:

• Podium Drought: Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish in 20 Grands Prix this season, a stark contrast to his illustrious career. He currently sits P6 in the drivers' championship with 146 points, 74 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
• Recent Near Misses: Hamilton narrowly missed his first Ferrari podium with a P4 finish at the United States Grand Prix. At the Mexico City Grand Prix, a promising P3 qualifying was nullified by a ten-second time penalty during the race.
• Improving Pace: Jolyon Palmer noted on the F1 Nation podcast that Hamilton's qualifying gap to Leclerc has significantly narrowed throughout the year, indicating improved pace and adaptability with the SF-25.
• Palmer's Insight: "That gap in qualifying has come down a lot as the year has gone on," Palmer stated. "He’s got a bit of mojo back from nowhere, having had that really tough run. The fact that the cars got a bit more competitive, he can sense that the podium is not too far away."

Looking Ahead:

Brazil has historically been a strong circuit for Hamilton, who boasts three career wins at Interlagos. This history, combined with the passionate support from Sao Paulo fans, could provide the perfect setting for him to break his podium curse.

• Brazilian GP History: Hamilton has a strong track record at Interlagos, including the memorable 2021 battle with Max Verstappen, which further endears him to the local crowd.
• Teammate Rivalry: Palmer anticipates Hamilton will be "desperately" trying to outqualify and outperform Leclerc in Brazil, aiming to secure a podium finish and end the year on a high note.
• Ferrari's Ambition: A strong showing from Hamilton would underscore Ferrari's potential to challenge at the front, especially as the team looks to build on its performance into the 2025 season.