Lewis Hamilton says his strong start to the 2026 Formula 1 season has helped restore belief in both himself and Ferrari after a difficult first year with the Italian team.
The seven-time world champion finished second in the Monaco Grand Prix, his second consecutive runner-up result, as Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli claimed another victory. The result lifted Hamilton to second place in the drivers’ standings, although he remains 66 points behind the dominant Antonelli.
Hamilton admitted that last season tested him mentally after a disappointing debut campaign with Ferrari, during which he publicly questioned his own performances and even suggested the team might need a different driver. However, the introduction of Formula 1’s new aerodynamic regulations for 2026 has produced cars that better suit his driving style, helping him return to competitive form.
The Briton praised Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur for supporting him through the difficult period and for implementing changes within the team and car that Hamilton had requested. He said the improvements are now beginning to pay off on track, allowing him to deliver stronger results.
Despite his recent success, Hamilton believes Ferrari still has work to do before it can regularly challenge Mercedes. After spending much of the Monaco race chasing Antonelli, he said the Silver Arrows currently hold a clear advantage in overall performance, particularly in downforce and traction. He added that observing Mercedes from close range has given Ferrari valuable insight into where improvements are needed.
While Hamilton celebrated another podium, Ferrari endured disappointment on the other side of the garage. Team-mate Charles Leclerc crashed out following a restart after the race’s first safety car, in an incident that contributed to a later red flag when the circuit surface began breaking up.
Leclerc blamed ongoing brake issues that he says have affected him for the past two races. The Monegasque driver insisted the problem was not caused by driver error and described the situation as extremely frustrating, claiming the braking inconsistency had become severe enough to raise safety concerns.
Even so, Ferrari leaves Monaco encouraged by Hamilton’s continued resurgence. After a challenging first year with the Scuderia, the veteran driver has re-established himself among the championship contenders and believes the team is moving in the right direction.