Hamilton silences critics with strong Ferrari start, proving 'I still have what it takes'

Three races into the 2026 season, Lewis Hamilton has emphatically quieted doubts about his form with a rejuvenated performance at Ferrari. After a challenging debut year with the Scuderia, the seven-time champion is scoring consistent points, fighting at the front, and credits a winter of deep integration with the team for his sharp turnaround.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's resurgence is a powerful narrative in Formula 1, demonstrating that even the sport's most successful driver can face and overcome a significant transition. His ability to adapt, influence car development, and return to podium contention validates his enduring skill and reshapes the competitive dynamic at the front of the grid, proving his move to Ferrari was about building a new legacy, not ending his career.

The details:

• A Winter of Work: Following a difficult 2025, Hamilton committed fully to integrating with Ferrari, intensifying his training, and even living trackside at Fiorano to strengthen his bond with the team and understand its culture.
• Car Suitability & Influence: The new generation of F1 cars better suits his driving style. More importantly, Hamilton played a "heavy role" in the 2026 car's development via simulator work, seeing his feedback directly influence the design—a level of involvement not possible during his first year.
• A Defining Podium: His third-place finish in China was a deeply personal milestone, achieved with his mother in attendance. He described it as feeling "like the first" podium due to the immense effort required, making it "incredibly special" and a moment of profound relief and reward.
• Team Support as Foundation: Hamilton highlighted the unwavering positivity from the Ferrari garage throughout 2025, which encouraged him to keep pushing despite repeated setbacks. The shared joy of the China podium reinforced the partnership and his motivation.
• Active Development Role: With Ferrari locked into its 2026 development path early, Hamilton is now actively shaping the car's future, holding meetings with engineering departments to direct resources toward areas where he needs performance improvements.

What's next:

The early momentum has transformed the narrative around Hamilton's Ferrari chapter from doubt to building belief. While three races don't define a season, they provide clear evidence that he and the team are on an upward trajectory.

• His renewed influence in the development process and a car that responds to his input suggest this partnership is only beginning to unlock its potential.
• The focus now shifts to converting podium finishes into victories and maintaining this form to establish Ferrari as a consistent championship threat, with Hamilton firmly at the center of that project.