Lewis Hamilton has solidified his position in the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, currently holding third place with 147 points. The Ferrari driver is now 32 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. He also trails George Russell by seven points in the standings.
Hamilton secured his inaugural victory for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on June 14, 2026. This marked his 106th career Grand Prix win. It was his first triumph since the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion has demonstrated strong form recently, achieving four podium finishes in his last five races. This includes a third-place finish at the British Grand Prix on July 5, 2026.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged Hamilton’s resurgence. Wolff stated that Hamilton is ‘absolutely’ in the hunt for an eighth World title this season.
Wolff further commented on Hamilton’s competitive drive, noting, ‘If he smells blood, he goes.’ He added that stopping the ‘Lewis Hamilton train’ becomes very difficult once it starts.
Mercedes currently leads the Constructors’ Championship, with Antonelli and Russell occupying the top two positions in the drivers’ standings. However, Antonelli’s lead was significantly reduced at the British Grand Prix.
Antonelli suffered a late mechanical issue at Silverstone, finishing outside the points in 11th after a track limits penalty. This incident allowed both Russell and Hamilton to close the gap.
Ferrari has also shown improved performance, securing two victories in the last three race weekends. Charles Leclerc claimed a win at the British Grand Prix, following Hamilton’s success in Barcelona.
Former race engineer Rob Smedley has suggested Ferrari should prioritize Hamilton in the title fight. Smedley believes this is the team’s ‘only chance’ to overcome Mercedes in 2026.
He argued that allowing both Ferrari drivers equal treatment ‘significantly diminishes’ their prospects for the Drivers’ Championship. This is due to Ferrari’s overall pace compared to Mercedes.
Hamilton himself has expressed confidence in his current form. He stated in March 2026 that he feels ‘back to his best, both mentally and physically.’
His improved performance follows a challenging 2025 season where he did not achieve a single podium finish for Ferrari. Hamilton also began working with a new race engineer, Carlo Santi, this year.
The 2026 season introduced significant technical regulations, including new power units and active aerodynamics. These changes have led to a lighter, narrower chassis for cars like the Mercedes W17.
With 13 of the 22 races remaining, the championship battle remains open. The next event on the calendar is the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26, 2026.
