From Maranello to Shanghai, how Lewis Hamilton regained his form

Third in the Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton He could savor his first "real" podium finish with Ferrari, having won the Sprint from pole position twelve months earlier. The end of a long drought for the seven-time world champion, whose arrival at the Team had constituted one of the most significant earthquakes in the history of the F1Although the Japanese Grand Prix did not go as well (sixth at the finish), it was a smiling Lewis Hamilton again, and seemingly more motivated than ever, who emerged at the start of 2026.

In an exclusive interview with the official Formula 1 website, the number 44 driver reflected on his 2025 season, and especially on the comments surrounding it. The Briton had not managed to replicate the magic of the Shanghai Sprint for the remainder of the season, and ultimately failed to reach the podium even once. While doubts began to surface, Hamilton was pleased to prove to his critics that he was still a force to be reckoned with at 41.

“When you go through difficult seasons, it raises a lot of questions. Overall, I’ve seen some individuals, who haven’t had the success I’ve enjoyed, speak so negatively, as they still do today. It was really good to be able to come back, start this season well, and prove that I still have what it takes to play at the front and that I’m going to continue to show that.”

Having arrived at a Scuderia bigger than any driver, the seven-time world champion had to learn new ways of working, having spent more than ten years at Mercedes Benzwinning six world titles, to add to his 2008 crown with McLarenHe says that the support of the people in Maranello and especially at the Grand Prix was crucial for him throughout last year, and that returning the favor with a podium finish was a great way to thank them.

“The team was incredible last year, especially in the garage. I received tremendous support. Whenever we didn't have a successful weekend, I felt really gutted and bad that I couldn't repay the team for all the work they put in, but they always told me there would be a next time. They stayed so positive, supported me so much, that coming back with a podium and seeing them so happy and grateful warmed my heart. It encourages me to keep pushing even harder to continue building with this team.”

The importance of having developed the car

If he had no say in the matter car Lewis Hamilton was able to provide early guidance on the 2026 car, the Ferrari SF-26. Now devoid of ground-effect systems and more closely resembling the generations of cars in which he has performed best, the new Prancing Horse seems to satisfy its driver. This has played a role in his return to the forefront, and above all, in his much more positive mindset.

“We’ve had a great start to the year; the energy in the team, the way we’re operating, everything is really positive. I’m enjoying driving the new car. It’s a car I played a big part in developing last year in the simulator. It’s great to see some of the things I asked for appearing in the car, that I can feel what they’re doing, and that the feeling is positive.”

Hamilton notably contributed to the design of the new Ferrari steering wheel, which represents the first major change at this level for the Scuderia in many years. The 2025 wheel is an evolution of the one introduced in the 2014 season, the first of the turbo-hybrid era. Finally, it was the support and hard work of Maranello that the record holder for the most F1 wins wanted to acknowledge.

“Everyone is pushing themselves to the limit, and it’s very inspiring to see. When you work for such a great team, and you see everyone at the factory giving it their all, trying everything to find that last thousandth… These are the moments I love most in sports. I wish people could see them. That’s when you’re truly inspired by the people who work for you.”

ALSO READ > "Furious" despite the victory in Japan, Kimi Antonelli is "working to improve" his starts during the break