Lewis Hamilton: Good to show that I still have what it takes to compete at the top of Formula 1

After a turbulent 2025 campaign marked by inconsistency, technical issues and growing scrutiny, Hamilton has returned with renewed confidence and competitiveness as Ferrari finds stronger footing under the new regulations.

The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion endured a challenging first season with Ferrari, finishing sixth in the standings and trailing teammate Leclerc by 86 points. His only standout result came with a Sprint victory in Shanghai. Twelve months later, Hamilton returned to China to secure his first full Grand Prix podium for Ferrari with third place.

Reflecting on that period, speaking to MotoriOnline, Hamilton admitted the external pressure was intense but insisted he never lost belief: “I'd say when you go through difficult years, there are so many questions everywhere.

“In the end, I saw some people who weren't even close to the success I had, talking negatively, as they still do today. And it was nice to be able to come back, start this season strongly, and show that I still have what it takes to compete at the top, and I will continue to show up and try to deliver in that sense.”

Last year, Hamilton was his own fiercest critic, publicly calling himself "absolutely useless" and suggesting Ferrari should consider another driver. This year, he appears to be in a better 'place' than he was last year, for now.

The shift in form has been underpinned by a stronger internal environment at Ferrari, with Hamilton pointing to improved collaboration and energy within the team: “It's started out as a really positive year. The energy within the team and the way we're working together has been really positive.”

That renewed atmosphere marks a sharp contrast to the uncertainty that surrounded Ferrari and Hamilton last season, when both car performance and driver confidence appeared out of sync.

A key factor in the turnaround has been 41-year-old Hamilton’s direct influence on the development of the current car, something he lacked in his first year with the team.

“I’m enjoying driving the new car,” the Briton explained. “It’s a car I played a major role in developing last year, working on the simulator, so it’s nice to see some of the things I asked for incorporated into the car’s design, and to be able to feel and hear them in a positive way.”

With two decades in Formula 1 now behind him, Hamilton’s resurgence signals more than just a recovery in form. It underlines his ability to adapt, reset and respond under pressure.

Ferrari’s improved trajectory, combined with Hamilton’s renewed belief, positions both driver and team as genuine contenders as the season develops, with momentum now firmly on their side heading into the next phase of the championship.