Former Formula 2 driver and pundit Davide Valsecchi has praised the transformation in Lewis Hamilton’s mindset following a promising start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The seven-time world champion impressed at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, finishing fourth for Ferrari and equalling his best result with the Scuderia to date.
After a challenging 2025 season, where Lewis Hamilton failed to secure a single podium finish, his confidence and enthusiasm had noticeably dipped. Many observers noted a visible decline in his motivation and self-belief. However, in Australia, as numerous drivers openly criticized the handling of the new generation of cars, Hamilton’s positivity and determination were immediately apparent. Despite qualifying in a disappointing seventh position, Lewis Hamilton launched an aggressive start and engaged in battles with his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell at the front of the field. This strong recovery and race pace prompted former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and other pundits to suggest that Hamilton remains capable of winning races in 2026.
Speaking on the Chiacchiere da Box podcast, Davide Valsecchi reflected on Lewis Hamilton’s struggles during 2025, noting that the British driver appeared unrecognisable from the champion fans had come to admire. The Italian explained that Hamilton’s demeanor last year lacked the determination and competitive spirit associated with his previous peak performances, conveying a sense of reluctance to continue competing at the highest level of Formula 1.
Davide Valsecchi highlighted that in Melbourne, Lewis Hamilton significantly closed the gap to Charles Leclerc during the second stint of the race, reducing a six-second deficit to just 0.8 seconds, demonstrating both pace and strategic execution. Lewis Hamilton reportedly felt that he could have overtaken Charles Leclerc if the race had been slightly longer, underscoring the renewed focus and self-belief that has returned after a productive winter break.
While Davide Valsecchi does not anticipate that Lewis Hamilton will be positioned as Ferrari’s clear lead driver this season, he applauded the 41-year-old’s mental reset. He noted that the contrast between 2025 and 2026 is stark, with the Briton now exhibiting enthusiasm, enjoyment, and a competitive mindset. Valsecchi recalled that last year, the Ferrari driver appeared demoralized and uncertain about his future in Formula 1, often expressing frustration and a lack of motivation.
According to the Italian former racing driver and commentator, Lewis Hamilton’s renewed attitude in 2026 is a marked improvement. The British driver reportedly expressed that he had genuinely enjoyed the Australian Grand Prix and wished the race could have continued for another ten to fifteen laps. Hamilton believed he could have overtaken Charles Leclerc and secured a podium, illustrating a level of optimism and engagement that had been missing the previous season. Valsecchi emphasized that this mental and emotional adjustment is vital for maintaining competitiveness over the course of the championship.
Valsecchi also noted that last season, after only five races, Hamilton seemed to lose the aura of the great champion fans and commentators had known. Poor results, unusual incidents, and performance challenges compounded a mental decline that undermined his racecraft and decision-making. However, over the winter, the Briton reportedly focused on recalibrating his mindset, working on both resilience and race-day mentality, which appears to have paid off at the season opener.
Despite Hamilton’s resurgence, Davide Valsecchi tempered expectations regarding his chances of challenging for another world championship, citing age as a significant factor. No driver in their forties has won a Formula 1 world title since Jack Brabham in 1966, and Lewis Hamilton, at 41, faces a natural physical and mental disadvantage compared to younger rivals. Valsecchi compared Hamilton to Michael Schumacher, who won his last championship at Ferrari at 35, and noted that Lewis Hamilton himself lifted his seventh world championship trophy at a similar age in 2020. Statistically, the average age of a Formula 1 world champion is 31.5, highlighting the challenges faced by drivers beyond their mid-thirties.
Valsecchi argued that fans hoping to see the Briton—or even Fernando Alonso—claim a world championship at this stage of their careers may be unrealistic. He pointed out that since Schumacher and Hamilton, drivers over 35 have struggled to make a decisive impact in the title race. While Hamilton’s skill and experience remain exceptional, Valsecchi explained that the combination of age, physical demands, and the rising talent of younger drivers makes another championship highly improbable.
Nevertheless, the Italian believes that Lewis Hamilton’s transformed mindset is a key factor for sustaining Ferrari’s competitiveness throughout the season. The driver’s renewed focus, enjoyment of racing, and willingness to push the limits of his car position him to continue contributing valuable points and race performances for the team. With Ferrari demonstrating strong pace in Australia and showing it can challenge Mercedes in strategic battles, Lewis Hamilton’s mental reset could be crucial in tight races where experience and composure play a decisive role.
While Lewis Hamilton may not realistically contend for an eighth world title, his improved attitude, competitive spirit, and mental resilience have been recognized as highly encouraging by experts such as Davide Valsecchi. the Briton’s ability to compete with teammates like Charles Leclerc and rival drivers from Mercedes and Red Bull underlines that even at 41, the seven-time world champion remains a formidable presence in Formula 1, capable of delivering standout performances that inspire both fans and fellow drivers alike.
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