P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Three weekends is a small sample set, and this year’s F1 is very different to last year’s. But Ferrari is convinced Lewis Hamilton has made a big step
Lewis Hamilton’s second Formula 1 season with Ferrari has started on a much stronger note than the previous year’s performance. In 2026, Hamilton quickly secured a podium after failing to do so 24 times in 2025. His improved success is partly attributed to Ferrari’s enhanced competitiveness and his closer match with Charles Leclerc compared to last season.
So far in 2026, Hamilton has been slightly ahead of Leclerc by 0.017 seconds on average in qualifying sessions, a significant improvement from being two and a half tenths slower on average in 2025. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed confidence in Hamilton’s progress over the winter and his integration into the team.
Vasseur acknowledged the challenges Hamilton faced in the previous season but emphasized the importance of understanding each other outside the race weekends. Hamilton’s stronger connection with the team and his involvement in Ferrari’s projects from the beginning have boosted his confidence and performance on the track.
Despite Hamilton’s struggles in the 2025 season, Vasseur remained committed to supporting him, recognizing his potential and contributions to the team’s development. The competitive nature of Formula 1 underscores the significance of every fraction of a second, highlighting the nuanced improvements and challenges Hamilton faces in each race.
