Former Formula 1 world champions Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert have expressed strong optimism about Lewis Hamilton’s potential with Ferrari as the 2026 season approaches, highlighting a renewed sense of confidence in the seven-time world champion’s performance with the SF-26.
Lewis Hamilton faced some challenges during pre-season testing in Bahrain, particularly struggling with braking stability in the early days of running. However, by the end of the test, both Hamilton and Ferrari appeared significantly more comfortable and confident in the car. The improvements in the SF-26’s balance and responsiveness gave Lewis Hamilton more consistency on the track, suggesting that Ferrari could be a genuine contender in the opening rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
After a 2025 season in which Lewis Hamilton did not manage to finish on the podium, the seven-time world champion is now targeting a far stronger performance this year. Motorsport analyst Martin Brundle has already indicated that Hamilton’s fortunes are expected to improve, and this sentiment is echoed by Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert, who see signs of a positive shift in Hamilton’s approach and comfort level with the Ferrari machinery.
Damon Hill believes Lewis Hamilton is enjoying driving Ferrari’s 2026 F1 car
Damon Hill discussed Hamilton’s progress on the Stay on Track Podcast, speaking with Johnny Herbert in the lead-up to the season opener in Australia. Hill highlighted that Ferrari appears content with their pre-season development, and the Briton’s own comments suggest he is enjoying the driving experience of the SF-26. According to Hill, the seven-time world champion seemed relaxed and engaged during testing, with no signs of frustration or dissatisfaction, indicating that he is adapting well to the Ferrari setup.
Hill suggested that Ferrari is already competing among the top four teams, although he cautioned that picking a season winner remains difficult. He noted that Mercedes may still be concealing their true pace, referencing the trend of teams appearing strong during pre-season tests only for the actual race results to reveal a different competitive picture. Nevertheless, Hill observed that Ferrari’s performance in Bahrain showed reliability and driver satisfaction, a positive contrast to previous seasons where mechanical issues often hindered progress.
Johnny Herbert highlights a ‘transformed’ Lewis Hamilton ready to challenge Charles Leclerc
When asked about the potential intra-team battle between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, Johnny Herbert emphasized that Hamilton appears more confident and better adapted to the Ferrari car compared to last season. Herbert reflected that, previously, the Monegasque driver consistently extracted more from the Ferrari, while his Maranello teammate struggled to find comfort and balance. However, this situation has changed in 2026, with the British driver reportedly enjoying a more harmonious relationship with the car, suggesting that he may now be able to challenge the 28-year-old directly.
Herbert also noted that the departure of Riccardo Adami, formerly Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer, could prove advantageous if their prior working relationship was not ideal. With a more positive and supportive environment within the Ferrari team, Herbert believes that a happier Lewis Hamilton could translate into a faster, more competitive driver, ready to fight for victories alongside or against Charles Leclerc.
Last season, Charles Leclerc finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton by 86 points, establishing himself as Ferrari’s clear leader. Team principal Fred Vasseur will likely aim to avoid a repeat of the McLaren scenario from the previous year, where internal tensions emerged from both drivers competing for championship points. Balancing support between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc while maximizing Ferrari’s chances for the Constructors’ Championship will be a delicate task, particularly if a third driver emerges as a threat to the team’s first drivers’ championship victory since 2007.
Ultimately, the combination of a more comfortable and motivated Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari’s technical improvements in the SF-26 could make the 2026 season highly competitive. Analysts like Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert believe that if the seven-time world champion continues to adapt to the Ferrari environment, he has the potential to challenge Charles Leclerc for top results, reshaping the team dynamics and adding excitement to the championship battle right from the opening Grand Prix in Australia.
With the pre-season testing indicating improved reliability, better tire management, and enhanced car balance, Lewis Hamilton is entering the 2026 season with renewed confidence. The focus for Ferrari will be to support both drivers effectively, ensuring that Hamilton’s enjoyment of the driving experience translates into consistent points and podium finishes throughout the year, while also safeguarding team harmony and strategic advantage.
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