Lewis Hamilton is seeking to evoke the success of Arsenal as he heads into the Canadian Grand Prix with Ferrari, aiming to turn around a challenging season. The seven-time world champion, an Arsenal fan since childhood, recently posted "COYG" (Come on You Gunners) on Instagram, reflecting his football allegiances. Hamilton's football fandom previously made headlines when he was part of a failed bid to buy Chelsea in 2022, a move that surprised rival Max Verstappen, who quipped about the apparent contradiction.
Hamilton's Preparation Shift
Hamilton arrives at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where he has a record seven wins, with mixed feelings. After a promising start with Ferrari, including a podium in China, the Miami Grand Prix saw him finish sixth due to a first-lap collision, leaving him 49 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. In response, Hamilton has decided to change his preparation approach, stepping away from simulators, which he dislikes, and relying more on natural instincts. "I'm not going to go on the simulator between now and the next race," he said, noting that his best weekend in China came without simulator work.
Ferrari's Current Form
Ferrari has shown strong race starts and Hamilton's wheel-to-wheel combat remains sharp, as seen in China. However, Mercedes and McLaren appear a step ahead, with Lando Norris making gains in Miami and Max Verstappen securing a front-row start. Ferrari could be as low as fourth in the pecking order. Hamilton's contract extends to the end of next season, but his performances have been underwhelming, including a podium-less debut year at Ferrari and an emotional request to "change driver" last season.
If Hamilton cannot deliver a competitive weekend in Canada, his favourite race outside Silverstone, the outlook remains murky. Perhaps evoking the spirit of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal—focusing on marginal gains and tactical shrewdness—could provide the inspiration needed for a resurgence.
