Lewis Hamilton: “Improvements are made through small steps, hard work, and trust. I see that at Ferrari”. Lewis Hamilton praises Ferrari's work as Silverstone challenge awaits.

The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion heads into his home race at Silverstone with growing confidence, highlighting Ferrari’s determination to keep improving. The first signs of that progress were already visible in Barcelona, where the Scuderia claimed its first victory of the season. Now, following the setback in Austria, the focus shifts to bouncing back at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.

Lewis Hamilton is preparing for his second British Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver. This time, however, he arrives at Silverstone with a very different level of confidence and belief in the SF-26 compared to the situation he faced during the 2025 campaign.

Just a few weeks ago, the British driver guided Ferrari back to victory, securing not only the team’s first win of the season but also his maiden Formula 1 victory in red. It was an important milestone, but as the saying goes, success only fuels the desire for more.

The disappointing weekend at the Red Bull Ring confirmed that Ferrari is not yet in a position to match Mercedes at every circuit. At the same time, the final result in Austria did not fully reflect the team’s true potential, leaving the feeling that more was possible.

Now the attention turns to Silverstone, where Lewis Hamilton is determined to deliver a strong performance in front of his home crowd, friends and family.

Lewis Hamilton on what makes Silverstone so special

Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, with iconic corners such as Maggotts, Becketts and Copse placing enormous demands on both the car and the driver. What makes this circuit so special from a driver’s perspective, and what do you enjoy most about it?

“There is nowhere quite like Silverstone. It’s one of the fastest and most demanding circuits on the calendar, and those high-speed sections, especially Maggotts, Becketts and Copse, are a real challenge because you take them at incredible speeds with the car generating huge amounts of downforce. Very few circuits test you the way Silverstone does, but it’s not just the track that makes it special.

More than anything, it’s the atmosphere. The support from the fans is always incredible, and when you’re out on track, you can genuinely feel all of that energy. It adds something truly unique to the entire experience.”

Lewis Hamilton on racing in front of his home fans

The British Grand Prix is always known for its incredible atmosphere, with hundreds of thousands of fans creating one of the biggest sporting events of the year. After all these years, does racing at home still feel different? And how much extra motivation does the Silverstone crowd give you?

“Silverstone is always one of the highlights of the season. There’s something incredibly special about racing at home, on the circuit I watched as a child, in front of my family, my friends and the fans who have supported me for so many years.

It’s been amazing to see how much this event has grown over time. It’s not just about the number of people who come; it’s also about the diversity of the crowd. You see fans of all ages, and there’s a genuine family atmosphere throughout the entire weekend.

From the moment you step out of the garage, you can feel the energy. You see the flags, you hear the crowd, and it all creates an incredible atmosphere that immediately gives you an extra boost. That support means so much to me, and it definitely provides additional motivation. The fans have played a huge role in the success I’ve enjoyed here over the years.”

Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari’s progress

In Formula 1, success is often the result of many small improvements rather than one major breakthrough. From your perspective, how have you seen the team evolve during the season, and what gives you confidence in Ferrari’s direction?

“There are no magic solutions in motorsport. Progress comes from lots of small steps, built over months of hard work, commitment and trust from everyone involved, and that’s exactly what I’m seeing at Ferrari.

I’m proud of this team and of the journey we’re on together. I’ve found a group of people who are determined, tireless and genuinely work together as one team, and that gives me a lot of confidence.

Everyone at Maranello works relentlessly, both at the factory and between races. Now it’s about continuing to build, becoming more consistent and making the most of every single race weekend.”