Lewis Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has not been without challenges. The 2025 season proved difficult at times, and the opening phase of the 2026 campaign initially appeared to be following a similar pattern. However, the Canadian Grand Prix may have marked a turning point.
Whether it was due to the characteristics of the Montreal circuit, which traditionally suits Lewis Hamilton’s driving style, or because his adaptation to the Ferrari SF-26 is finally progressing in the right direction, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion looked significantly more competitive than teammate Charles Leclerc throughout the weekend.
Lewis Hamilton gains confidence
In Montreal, Lewis Hamilton arguably delivered his strongest performance since joining Ferrari. Following the Miami Grand Prix earlier this season, speculation about his future intensified, with some even suggesting that retirement could be on the horizon.
According to a report from Motorsport Magazine, Lewis Hamilton wasted little time in responding to those rumours and made his position crystal clear.
“I’m still fully committed and motivated!” he said when asked about suggestions that he could announce his retirement as early as Silverstone.
“I still have a contract in place. For me, everything is 100% clear. I love what I do and I’ll be here for quite a while longer. You’d better get used to it. A lot of people are trying to convince me to retire, but I’m not even thinking about it.”
The comments underline the determination that continues to drive Lewis Hamilton as he pursues success with Ferrari. Despite the difficulties experienced during his first season with the Scuderia, the British driver appears convinced that there is still much more to achieve in Formula 1.
The battle with Charles Leclerc is about to intensify
Lewis Hamilton believes he is in a stronger position than he was last year, and that confidence is becoming increasingly visible both on and off the track. His performances have improved, and he has already finished ahead of Charles Leclerc on three occasions this season: in China, Miami and Canada.
In Miami, Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness limited what either driver could achieve, but Lewis Hamilton nevertheless managed to come out ahead of his teammate. In Canada, the difference was even more striking, with the Briton producing one of his most convincing weekends in Ferrari colours while Charles Leclerc struggled to find the same level of performance.
The championship battle between the two Ferrari drivers remains remarkably close. Only three points separate Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in the standings, highlighting just how evenly matched they have been over the course of the season so far.
The Monaco Grand Prix now marks the beginning of the European phase of the championship, with six races scheduled across the next eight weekends. That intense stretch of events could prove decisive in shaping the internal Ferrari battle.
As Ferrari continues to develop the SF-26 and both drivers gain a deeper understanding of the car, the fight between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc is expected to become one of the most fascinating storylines of the season. The coming weeks may reveal whether Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence in Canada was the start of a new chapter or simply a standout weekend in an increasingly competitive intra-team rivalry.
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