Italian Media Perform Dramatic U-Turn on Lewis Hamilton After Promising Ferrari Start
An influential Italian news outlet has publicly retracted its previous critical comments about Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton, following his impressive performance at the start of the 2026 season. This reversal comes after Hamilton secured a fourth-place finish in the Australian Grand Prix, showcasing significant improvement from his challenging debut year with Ferrari.
Hamilton's Resurgence and Ferrari's Competitive Edge
During the season opener in Australia, Hamilton, starting from seventh on the grid, managed to climb to fourth position, a feat he achieved only four times throughout the entire 2025 campaign. His Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, finished just ahead in third place, indicating that the team is now competitive with the leading Mercedes cars. This early form suggests Ferrari could be a genuine title contender this year, marking a stark contrast to Hamilton's frustrating first season with the iconic team.
From Criticism to Acclaim: The Italian Press Changes Its Tune
Last year, Hamilton faced intense scrutiny from the passionate Italian media, including prominent outlet Corriere della Sera. They criticised his conduct, which included outbursts over team radio and expressions of dissatisfaction with the SF-25 car, even suggesting Ferrari should replace him. However, after the Australian Grand Prix, the same publication published a headline declaring, "Hamilton is back, he got the Ferrari he wanted." Their article explicitly retracted earlier statements, admitting they had wrongly judged Hamilton as past his prime and now praising his champion-like demeanor.
The publication stated, "We criticised him, we thought he was ready for retirement, and now it's time to start making amends while he's started acting like a champion again. Eventually, it seems Hamilton has got it [a car capable of challenging for the championship] and magically, the old fox has regained his shine." This represents a complete reversal in tone, acknowledging Hamilton's renewed potential with a more competitive vehicle.
Warning Issued Over Potential Leclerc Rivalry
Despite the positive outlook, the Italian media has issued a cautionary note regarding the dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc. The publication highlighted that if Ferrari produces a title-worthy car, the two drivers could become direct competitors for the championship, potentially straining their previously friendly relationship. This scenario might begin as early as the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, where Hamilton won a sprint race in 2025 and could seek to assert himself against Leclerc.
The article warned, "To the point of wanting to get some revenge on Leclerc himself, perhaps in China... A potentially problematic issue to manage; a major problem if Ferrari wins." This implies that team principal Fred Vasseur will need to skillfully manage any conflicts to avoid a repeat of past intra-team rivalries, such as Hamilton's contentious partnership with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.
As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if their early promise translates into sustained success and how the Hamilton-Leclerc partnership evolves under the pressure of championship contention.
