Can Lewis Hamilton reach Fernando Alonso’s level at Ferrari? Jolyon Palmer gives his verdict

Lewis Hamilton aims to surpass Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that his ambition at Ferrari goes far beyond simply adding to his career statistics. The British driver, who already has seven world championships to his name, has set his sights on achieving something that neither Fernando Alonso nor Sebastian Vettel managed during their respective tenures in Maranello – lifting the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship trophy while wearing Ferrari red.

Both Alonso and Vettel came agonisingly close to the top prize during their time with the Scuderia. The Spanish champion finished runner-up in two dramatic campaigns, in 2010 and 2012, while the German four-time world champion was unable to break Mercedes’ dominance in 2017 and 2018. Hamilton, determined not to repeat their fate, knows that securing a championship with Ferrari would cement his place in history as one of the greatest drivers ever to race for the legendary Italian team.

Hamilton determined to avoid Alonso and Vettel’s fate

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel’s records at Ferrari remain impressive but bittersweet. Between them, they collected a combined 25 Grand Prix victories and stood on the podium on 99 occasions, yet neither driver could capture the elusive championship. For Alonso, Vettel’s rise with Red Bull denied him in two of the most intense title battles in modern Formula 1. For Vettel, it was Hamilton himself, dominating with Mercedes, who blocked his path to Ferrari glory.

Lewis Hamilton, in contrast, is still waiting for his first podium with the Scuderia. His primary short-term mission across the closing rounds of the current season is to end that drought. But looking further ahead, it is clear that 2026 – the dawn of Formula 1’s new regulations – is the defining year in which Hamilton will need to make his championship push. Everything he and Ferrari are building is focused on that turning point.

How Alonso and Vettel raised the bar at Ferrari

When Fernando Alonso joined Ferrari in 2010, he made an immediate impact. He won on debut in Bahrain and went on to add victories in Germany, Italy, Singapore and South Korea. Alonso missed out on the title by just four points in his first season in red, proving that he was competitive from day one despite falling short in heartbreaking fashion. His two championships with Renault showed his pedigree, and his Ferrari years reinforced his reputation as one of the fiercest competitors of his generation.

Sebastian Vettel followed a similar path when he arrived at Ferrari in 2015 after a dominant run with Red Bull. The German superstar won the Malaysian Grand Prix in just his second start with the Scuderia, instantly reigniting hope among tifosi that the glory days were returning. Although Mercedes remained unbeatable in the hybrid era, Vettel consistently challenged them, often being the closest driver to Hamilton’s Silver Arrows during those years.

Jolyon Palmer believes Hamilton can still match Ferrari legends

Despite the difficult start to his Ferrari career, former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Hamilton can still reach the levels achieved by Alonso and Vettel. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer explained that while both Alonso and Vettel never won a title with Ferrari, they were still considered outstanding drivers during their time with the Scuderia – and Hamilton can achieve the same, or perhaps even more.

“This year has been turbulent for Hamilton as he adapts to life in Italy and integrates into Ferrari, but history shows that many drivers have eventually thrived after a move to Maranello,” Palmer commented. “Neither Alonso nor Vettel became world champion at Ferrari, but they were still excellent ambassadors for the team and produced strong performances. I believe Hamilton is capable of reaching that same level and perhaps taking it even further.”

Advice for Hamilton ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix

Hamilton’s struggles were highlighted just before the summer break at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he missed out on Q3 by just two hundredths of a second. The elimination ruined his weekend and left him frustrated, especially as his teammate Charles Leclerc went on to secure pole position. At one point, Hamilton’s own comments suggested he doubted whether Ferrari had made the right decision signing him.

Palmer, however, urged Hamilton to avoid chasing miracles when the season resumes. Instead, he believes the seven-time champion must focus on consistency, steadily rebuilding confidence with solid performances rather than searching for instant redemption. “It’s about keeping the motivation,” Palmer explained. “Yes, he’s older now and the results on paper look poor, but the talent is still there. What Hamilton needs is a run of clean weekends, regular Q3 appearances, and gradually battling again with Mercedes and Red Bull. That is the way to regain confidence and momentum.”

Palmer stressed that small margins can make the difference between disappointment and podium contention in Formula 1. In Hungary, for example, Hamilton’s elimination in qualifying could easily have turned into a top-three fight had he delivered a stronger lap. The message is clear: Ferrari and Hamilton need to focus on the basics, and the results will follow naturally.

Looking towards Ferrari’s 2026 challenge

All eyes are now on 2026, when new power unit regulations and aerodynamic changes will shake up the Formula 1 landscape. Ferrari sees this as the perfect opportunity to return to the front, and Lewis Hamilton’s arrival is part of that long-term strategy. The legendary British driver knows that winning a title with Ferrari would not only elevate his legacy beyond Alonso and Vettel but also cement him as one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Scuderia.

With Hamilton’s experience, Ferrari’s technical expertise, and the new regulations promising a more level playing field, the 2026 season could mark the beginning of a new golden era for the Prancing Horse. For Hamilton, it represents perhaps the last great challenge of his Formula 1 career – and the chance to achieve something that has eluded so many great drivers before him.

Secure your place at the 2026 Formula 1 season

The 2026 Formula 1 campaign is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. With sweeping regulation changes, Ferrari’s ambitious plans, and Lewis Hamilton chasing history, the demand for race tickets is expected to be extremely high. Don’t miss the chance to witness this historic season unfold live from the grandstands. Secure your 2026 F1 tickets early and be part of the atmosphere as Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel’s legacy, and the new generation of drivers battle on track. Click below to book your tickets now and guarantee your spot at the most exciting races of the year.