Lewis Hamilton is smiling and relaxed as he prepares for this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where he has a record nine wins. After a difficult debut season with Ferrari in 2025, the seven-time world champion has found his form again, securing his first win for the Scuderia at the Barcelona-Catalunya GP last month. He now believes he can still challenge for this year's Formula One title.
Renewed Passion and Confidence
Hamilton's demeanour this weekend stands in stark contrast to his annus horribilis in 2025, when he struggled with an off-pace car and the adjustment to a new team after 12 years with Mercedes. Now, he has the swagger of a young gunslinger again. 'I am just remembering who I am,' he said earlier this season. 'Last year I sometimes forgot who I was.'
Technical and Personal Adjustments
Ferrari's car is far superior to last year's, though perhaps a little underpowered to challenge Mercedes on the high-speed Silverstone circuit. Hamilton has been instrumental in the team's improvement, noting that readjusting his team and realigning with higher powers within the organisation has been key. 'That's enabling us now to just move forward in synergy,' he said. 'The trust is now there and things that I ask for get done.'
Hamilton also pushed for technical changes, including a switch to a front suspension he helped develop and a change of brake disc manufacturer from Brembo to Carbone Industrie. These adjustments suit his late-braking style. Additionally, his relationship with race engineer Carlo Santi, whom he calls 'the Italian Bono,' has flourished, with Santi likely to remain in the role permanently.
Outpacing Teammate Leclerc
Hamilton has outraced his teammate Charles Leclerc this season, a reversal from 2025 when Leclerc had the upper hand. Leclerc, with Ferrari since 2019, now looks somewhat at sea while Hamilton has three podiums and a win. The British driver still believes he can fight for the title with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader.
After the high of Barcelona, Hamilton finished fifth in Austria, a reality check. He is not expecting miracles at Silverstone but is revelling in his task at his home race. 'Every single person at Ferrari is so geed up and pushing as much as they can, that's all I can ever ask for,' he said with a broad smile.
