Lewis Hamilton spoke ahead of the Japanese GP about his 2026 F1 season with Ferrari, backing himself to deliver despite the doubts that followed a difficult debut season with the team. The seven-time World Champion currently sits P4 in the Drivers’ Standings with 41 points, following a P6 finish in Japan.
His 2026 campaign has already produced more than his entire 2025 F1 season with Ferrari. A P4 in Australia, a P3 in the Sprint and his first Ferrari podium in the Feature Race in China marked a sharp turnaround from a year in which he failed to reach the podium even once.
Hamilton reflects on his mindset for the 2026 F1 season with Ferrari
Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Japanese GP, Lewis Hamilton discussed his mindset as he continues adapting to life at Ferrari in the 2026 F1 season. He was direct when asked how difficult his 2025 struggles became and whether his early form this year came as a relief.
“I personally don’t find it a relief. I think it’s just a change of attitude. Yeah, just not letting all the BS that surrounds come out of people’s mouths. In the way of knowing who I am and what I’m able to do. I hope you saw that in the last two races, particularly the last race. I’ll continue to try and show up and show that for the rest of the year,” he stated.
Hamilton on his training and dedication
The Ferrari driver also addressed any suggestion that age or motivation could be factors working against him. For Hamilton, his commitment to Ferrari in F1’s 2026 season extends well beyond the circuit. His account of the time between races pointed to a driver pushing himself hard away from the track.
“I’ve not lost what I’ve had. Regardless of some of you or people who write that. I’ll continue to show up and I’m training harder than ever.“
“I was in Tokyo. Between this race and the last race, I’ve run like 100km. I know that none of the drivers I’m racing against have trained as hard as I am. And given it what I have,” Hamilton stated.
For Lewis Hamilton, the physical commitment reflects his mindset as he takes on Ferrari’s 2026 F1 season.
“Especially at my age as well. I love that. That I still have that drive to push myself. I was at the hotel and several drivers walked in when I finished my runs. And I know they were just getting up.”
“The commitment is there, more than ever. And I dedicate absolutely everything I have to this challenge and to the target that I have,” he concluded.
Hamilton’s 2026 F1 season with Ferrari already marks a significant step forward from 2025, highlighted by his first podium with the team. Last year, the Brit went the entire year without a podium and was out qualified 5–19 by teammate Charles Leclerc.
The new 2026 F1 regulations gave every driver a fresh start, and Hamilton has taken full advantage of that opportunity. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli currently holds a 31-point advantage, but with plenty of rounds still to come, the gap remains within reach.
