Lewis Hamilton is heading into the Barcelona-Catalunya GP encouraged by Ferrari’s progress after a P2 finish in Monaco last weekend.
Hamilton now sits P2 in the drivers’ standings behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli and two points ahead of George Russell, marking his best start to a season since 2021. Asked whether this now positions him as the driver most likely to capitalise should Mercedes falter, Hamilton stressed that Ferrari’s focus remains on improving performance internally rather than relying on opportunities created by rivals.
“I think it’s going to be tough to beat Mercedes,” Hamilton told the media ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya GP.
“I think we’re just working on focusing on ourselves and just trying to improve each weekend but this is just the beginning really I think for us as a team.
“Obviously we’ve had a difficult year [in 2025], we’ve seen changes into this season which is really positive and I think we’re moving in the right direction but this is not it. There’s more to come, we’ve got improvements to make and I hope that we can be there for a scenario like that.
“But I think we exist to win and I don’t think… we don’t exist to win by default, we exist to win through pure performance and earning it and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Hamilton credits Ferrari collaboration for improved form
The Briton struggled throughout the 2025 season after joining the team, often lagging behind Ferrari veteran teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton explained that he felt he had more “input” when it came to the technical aspects of the SF-26, with Ferrari making adjustments to further tune the car to his liking.
“I went from a season in a car that I inherited—that I had no input to, to a car that I’ve had input to,” he said.
“There’s elements of the car that I’d asked for and the team listened, which has been great. A collaboration of many, many different elements all coming together.
“The car is very complex, it’s not one thing that changes everything, it’s a combination of many things, moving parts coming together and working together in synergy.”
Hamilton also spoke highly of the team members, highlighting that morale is high inside the Scuderia.
“I think we are finally in a place where we’re working really well as a team collectively.
“Every single person in this team has something to bring to the table and my goal when I arrived was to try to encourage everyone to try to push to elevate. We all can always elevate and be better, including myself.
“I’ve arrived this year with a much better mentality, fitter and a much better approach. So, a combination of all those things.”
First half of the 2026 F1 season “a good foundation” as Ferrari targets performance gains
Looking ahead to the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, Hamilton described the opening phase of the 2026 campaign as a positive foundation on which Ferrari can continue to build.
“It’s been a great first part of the season,” he said.
“It could of course be better but I think it’s been a real positive feeling. The harmony between myself and my personal team and the racing team is better than it’s ever been.
“It’s taken us a good year to get to know each other and we’re more aligned than ever. This is a good foundation for us to then build on moving forward.”
Hamilton insisted the Scuderia has no intention of resting on its laurels and acknowledged that “improvements” can still be made. Ferrari is among the teams expected to benefit from the ADUO system (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities).
“There’s still a huge amount of work to do,” he continued.
“There’s still improvements we need to make. In terms of galvanising the troops, they’re all so passionate to go back to the factory. I’ve never seen a love for a team like it and a passion for the team.
“It’s just about directing that, steering it in the right direction. That’s what I try to do.”
