Lewis Hamilton backs Ferrari for Monaco success amid power unit plea

Lewis Hamilton expects Ferrari to be “really strong” at the Monaco Grand Prix, thanks to the circuit’s minimal reliance on engine power — a rare opportunity for the Scuderia to capitalize on what is widely regarded as the best chassis on the 2026 grid.

Coming off his best result for the team (P2 in Canada), Hamilton heads to the Principality with renewed optimism. The SF-26’s small turbo and innovative exhaust-blown winglet have even prompted Kimi Antonelli to call Ferrari the “team to beat” in Monaco, while Jolyon Palmer labeled it a “golden chance” for the Prancing Horse to end its victory drought.

Why it matters:

Ferrari hasn’t won since the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix. Monaco offers a rare chance to break that streak without needing a power unit advantage — a crucial step in Hamilton’s early tenure with the team and a potential morale boost before the season’s power-sensitive tracks return.

The details:

• Hamilton emphasized that power isn’t decisive around the streets of Monte Carlo: “That’s the one track that power is not king. Our car could be really strong there.”
• The 41-year-old plans to arrive with the same energy as in Canada and work closely with engineers to optimize car setup from Practice 1.
• However, Hamilton made clear the power deficit remains a major concern: “If you take away the power deficit, we’re in the fight with these guys. But I’m like, ‘I need more power somehow’ because I can’t push the pedal any further.”
• Ferrari hopes the upcoming ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) programme will allow them to close that gap. Hamilton: “I really hope with this new rule that enables us to try to improve some performance, so we can get back in the fight with them.”

What’s next:

The Monaco weekend will be Ferrari’s first true gauge of chassis dominance. If Hamilton or Charles Leclerc can deliver a win, it would validate the team’s design philosophy and set a strong foundation for the rest of the season. But the long-term battle — and Hamilton’s title hopes — still hinge on unlocking more horsepower from the power unit.