During Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari, Charles Leclerc dominated the intra-team battle, leaving the seven-time world champion trailing behind in both race results and qualifying sessions. However, David Croft has suggested that the dynamic between the two Ferrari drivers is set to become far more competitive in 2026.
Heading into his first campaign in red, expectations for Lewis Hamilton were sky-high, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how the Briton would adapt to Ferrari’s machinery. Yet it quickly became clear that Charles Leclerc would not be a teammate who could be easily outpaced. By the end of the 2025 season, Hamilton had only beaten Leclerc to the chequered flag in three Grand Prix races and out-qualified him on just five occasions over a 24-race schedule, highlighting the significant challenge the Ferrari number two faced.
Now, with time spent contributing to the development of the SF-26 and adapting to the new technical regulations, optimism is returning for Lewis Hamilton. With pre-season testing completed, many experts believe the seven-time world champion is well-positioned to elevate his performance and contend with Charles Leclerc more evenly this year. Analyst Will Buxton has indicated that Hamilton could start winning races again, reflecting a broader consensus within the F1 community about the Briton’s resurgence.
David Croft delivers his verdict on Lewis Hamilton vs Charles Leclerc
In a recent appearance on Sky Sports News, F1 commentator David Croft was asked whether Lewis Hamilton could finally challenge Charles Leclerc effectively over the course of the 2026 season. Croft gave a decisive response, explaining that, on his day, Hamilton remains among the elite drivers in Formula 1. He emphasized that the seven-time world champion’s record and experience position him to overcome the challenges posed by an impressive teammate like Charles Leclerc.
Croft noted that Lewis Hamilton appears to feel more connected with the current Ferrari machinery, suggesting that his feedback and influence on the SF-26 have embedded a part of his “DNA” into the car. David Croft contrasted this with Hamilton’s discomfort with the ground-effect cars from 2022 to 2025, saying that the new regulations offer a reset and an opportunity for the Briton to demonstrate his exceptional talent once more.
Pre-season testing has reinforced this confidence. Lewis Hamilton’s performance with Ferrari has been notably strong, with Martin Brundle also forecasting a more successful year for the seven-time world champion. While Charles Leclerc will remain a formidable opponent, Croft believes a fully motivated and well-prepared Lewis Hamilton can match and respond to whatever the Monegasque driver brings to the track.
F1 fans back Lewis Hamilton for the 2026 championship
The optimism surrounding Lewis Hamilton extends beyond the paddock into the fanbase. Pre-season form has positioned Hamilton as a favourite among F1 Oversteer’s users, with nearly one-third of voters backing the Briton to secure his eighth world championship. In contrast, reigning world champion Lando Norris received just 4% of the vote in the same poll, illustrating the level of confidence fans have in Hamilton’s prospects.
Croft and other pundits have also highlighted Hamilton’s global influence and unparalleled fan support as factors that amplify his presence in the sport. The seven-time world champion’s experience, combined with Ferrari’s technical updates and his increasing comfort with the SF-26, has created genuine optimism for a strong 2026 campaign.
Even Lando Norris has acknowledged that Lewis Hamilton is likely to be among the front-runners this season. Early forecasts suggest that the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could deliver a thrilling intra-team battle, giving the tifosi plenty to celebrate in 2026. With a renewed sense of purpose, Hamilton appears ready to demonstrate that he can still compete at the very highest level in Formula 1.
