Hamilton reinforces confidence and sees “innovative” Ferrari: “Rivals are following our designs”

Key takeaways

• Ferrari leading innovation: Lewis Hamilton highlighted that Scuderia Ferrari is setting technical trends in 2026, pointing out that rival teams are actively copying Maranello’s wing designs and exhaust concepts.
• Proven collaboration: The seven-time World Champion emphasized that his input has directly shaped the development path of the SF-26, yielding a race-winning formula.
• Title chase momentum: Currently holding second place in the Drivers’ Championship behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton enters the Dutch Grand Prix filled with confidence in Ferrari’s ongoing trajectory.

Lewis Hamilton has shown a level of optimism and confidence throughout 2026 that stands in stark contrast to his feelings last season. Armed with a victory and five podium finishes so far this year, the British driver sits second in the World Drivers’ Championship and maintains high morale heading into this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

During a media session attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO, Hamilton was questioned about his faith in the Ferrari project and how that translates onto the track at Zandvoort. The seven-time World Champion explained that, unlike last year, he can clearly see Ferrari setting trendlines in Formula 1, such as with the implementation of their innovative “Macarena” wing concept.

Seeing the project progress strongly under the new technical regulations and knowing rivals are closely monitoring Maranello’s on-track solutions, Hamilton reinforced his positive outlook and guaranteed he feels even more confident following recent strong results.

“It was precisely that collaboration I mentioned, where we have collectively moved in the right direction, and the things I requested ended up being delivered over time. Now I feel we have gained the results, so it shows that it works. We found the right formula. We are doubling down on that, continuing to improve,” Hamilton reported in Zandvoort.

“Last year, one of the things I said was that Ferrari should be innovative and that everyone else should be following them. And this year, we are the innovators. Teams have been following our wing designs, the exhaust system. So I think we are heading in the right direction. We are in a very good place. We just need to keep building on this foundation we’ve created,” the #44 driver continued.

Hamilton stepped onto the top step of the podium at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, securing his first victory in Ferrari colors. Combined with four other podium appearances in 2026, the Briton has amassed 169 points and holds second place in the standings, behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who leads with 219 points. George Russell, with 160 points, rounds out the current top three.

Formula 1 returns this weekend, from August 21 to 23, for the Dutch Grand Prix — the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all the track action live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Catch up on all the paddock news on our news page.

Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Which race did Lewis Hamilton win with Ferrari in 2026?

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first victory as a Scuderia Ferrari driver at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona-Catalunya.

2. Where does Lewis Hamilton stand in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship?

Hamilton sits second in the Drivers’ Championship standings with 169 points, trailing Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

3. What technical innovations did Hamilton highlight on the Ferrari SF-26?

Hamilton pointed out that rival teams have begun copying Ferrari’s innovative wing designs — including their “Macarena” wing concept — as well as their custom exhaust system layout.

A Fórmula 1 volta neste final de semana, de 21 a 23 de agosto, no GP dos Países Baixos, 12º da temporada 2026. O GRANDE PRÊMIO acompanha todas as atividades em Zandvoort in loco com o repórter Leonid Kliuev.