Lewis Hamilton currently holds second position in the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. His performance marks a significant upturn compared to his debut season with Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
The British driver secured a victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and has achieved four additional podium finishes this season. This consistent front-running pace has seen him accumulate 165 points by early August 2026.
Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill recently commented on Hamilton’s improved form. Hill stated on Formula1.com that Hamilton’s enhanced 2026 performance is a direct result of his ‘power and reputation’.
‘He goes to win in everything he does. I don’t think he finds it easy to back off. He clearly worked hard last winter and thought about how he wants to shape Ferrari for himself.’
Hill suggested Hamilton actively reshaped the team to suit his driving style and requirements. He emphasized that a seven-time world champion would not simply ‘sit there and do what they do’.
Instead, Hamilton would leverage his authority to ensure the team’s direction aligned with his vision for success. His move to Scuderia Ferrari was officially announced in February 2024, confirming a multi-year deal that commenced with the 2025 season.
The contract was reported to extend through at least the end of the 2026 season. Hamilton’s inaugural season with Ferrari in 2025 was challenging, with the SF-25 car struggling for consistent performance.
He finished the 2025 championship in fifth place without securing a victory. The 2025 Ferrari often lacked the necessary balance and aerodynamic efficiency, particularly in qualifying.
Following the difficult 2025 campaign, Ferrari implemented several strategic technical appointments. Loic Serra, formerly of Mercedes, joined Ferrari as Head of Chassis Performance Engineering in late 2025.
This move was widely speculated to be influenced by Hamilton’s arrival and feedback. Hamilton also retained his long-standing race engineer, Peter Bonnington, who made the switch from Mercedes.
The technical department, under Enrico Cardile and Enrico Gualtieri, has reportedly intensified collaboration with driver input for the SF-26H. The 2026 Ferrari SF-26H features a revised aerodynamic philosophy.
This new approach focuses on a more stable rear end and improved tire management, areas where Hamilton is known to excel. This represents a departure from the more aggressive characteristics of the 2025 car.
Development efforts over the winter break prioritized driver comfort and feedback integration. The aim was to create a car that responds more predictably to inputs across various track conditions.
Hamilton’s victory at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was a dominant performance. He managed tire degradation effectively throughout the race, securing Ferrari’s first win of the season.
Beyond Barcelona, Hamilton has achieved podium finishes at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the Canadian Grand Prix, and the British Grand Prix. The SF-26H chassis has shown consistent pace, particularly on high-downforce circuits.
