Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton heads into the 2026 F1 Austrian GP on the back of a fantastic win at the Circuit de Catalunya 11 days ago.
In round 7 of the season, the seven-time World Champion secured his first victory with Scuderia Ferrari. Starting P2 for the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, an aggressive three-stop, terrific pace from the Brit, and a helpful VSC opened the door for the 106-time race winner to take yet another victory. His pace was phenomenal on the day.
The win and Kimi Antonelli’s DNF has moved Hamilton to within 41 points of the Italian in the Drivers’ Championship.
Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari gains and taking things one day at a time ahead of 2026 F1 Austrian GP
Speaking in a print media on Thursday, the former McLaren and Mercedes driver discussed how he is focusing on one day and race at a time.
He also talked about how he feels Scuderia Ferrari have progressed as a team in 2026 compared to a difficult 2025, such as working that little bit harder, and he praised Fred Vasseur for his leadership as well.
The sizable updates brought to the Barcelona-Catalunya GP were important for the win, with an engine upgrade also coming at the Red Bull Ring.
“I think I’m really proud of the whole team back at the factory. I was just saying in the TV [zone], every single person on this team is bringing something to the table.
“And everyone’s levelling up. Everyone’s pushing that extra bit harder than they had before. We’re working more cohesively, more tight-knit than ever before, with great leadership from Fred.
“And to see the improvements coming that we were asking for, to see them come to Barcelona, and also here, they’ve worked incredibly hard to take a step with the engine.
“It’s not the whole step, but it’s one foot forward. And that’s what we’ve got to keep doing. Just continue to put one foot in front of the other.
“But also, I’m not thinking about the championship. I’m thinking about each race arriving and executing the way we did last weekend.
“Last race, pit stops, strategy, they were all in sync. And having that every single weekend is the most important thing.
“[I am] not thinking about what’s going to happen in 15 races.”
Crucial input on the SF-26
Having started at Scuderia Ferrari in January 2025, Lewis Hamilton could not give any feedback or input into last year’s challenger. The previous F1 season was incredibly disappointing for the whole team. It was car that was difficult to drive and not capable of winning races.
Ever since Melbourne, Ferrari has been the most consistent challenger to Mercedes bar Miami, although McLaren and Red Bull shot themselves in the foot at Montréal and Monaco respectively.
While his focus is totally on the short-term, F1’s most successful World Champion and race winner was buoyant when talking about how Ferrari listened to his feedback for the SF-26. It has given him renewed confidence behind the wheel, looking back to somewhere near his very best.
“It feels great that we have a car with things that I’d asked for. We’re moving together and collaborating really well.
“And I love driving this car. The car’s finally got things that I’d asked for, and I’m now starting to be able to execute with it. So that’s the thing that feels the best.
“In terms of thinking about, as I said, I’m just really not thinking about competing for a championship. I’m thinking about arriving, I want to win this weekend.
“That’s my goal. That’s what I’ve been working for all week, last week and this week.
“I’ve not been out for dinners. Just head back down with the sacrifices you need to make, to make sure that you arrive 100% so you can deliver for these people.
“Especially also knowing how far it reaches the impact and decisions that I make in the car and what we do here. Those are the things I think about.”
A special return to Marnaello following his first win with Scuderia Ferrari F1 squad
Asked about his experience returning to the factory in Italy for the first time as a winner for Ferrari in F1 before the 2026 Austrian GP, Lewis Hamilton described the great moments he had.
Nonetheless, he also shared that Fred Vasseur is keeping feet on the ground and making sure that everyone continues to work hard as they look to hunt Mercedes down.
“I was at Maranello Thursday and Friday. We had events.
“But I had already just landed at the airport [and] I saw how important it was for a police officer in immigration and how happy [they were].
“And then as I got to the factory, just seeing how happy everybody was. It was definitely really great.
“I think there’s always been a good energy in the team. But I think it felt even higher for sure.
“But as you heard Fred say, we have to also come back down and get back to doing our jobs. Back to our desks. Let’s channel that positive energy into our work. And that’s what I think everyone’s trying to do.”
