Lewis Hamilton has done far more than simply move from fourth to second place in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. Through patience, consistency and a series of impressive performances, the seven-time world champion has gradually changed the perception that many people in the paddock had developed after several difficult years spent between Mercedes and Ferrari.
His second season with the Scuderia is not just a story of technical progress. It is becoming a reminder of the qualities that made Lewis Hamilton one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. The British driver’s comments after the Monaco Grand Prix reflected exactly that mindset, as he admitted that he feels he has reached a point where he needs to remind people of who he really is.
The result has been his strongest start to a campaign since 2021. For the first time in several years, Lewis Hamilton has established himself as a consistent front-runner once again, leading Ferrari’s charge against a Mercedes team that still appears to have the fastest overall package on the grid.
Podium finishes are backing up the message
Lewis Hamilton’s second-place finish in Monaco was not an isolated result. Instead, it was another indication of the positive momentum he has built throughout the opening phase of the season.
The Ferrari driver has stood on the podium in half of the races contested so far, representing a major improvement compared to the previous campaign, when opportunities to challenge at the front were limited and often slipped away.
After the race in Monaco, Lewis Hamilton said: “I’m grateful to have moved forward because we started third and finishing second is fantastic.”
He then delivered a statement that perfectly sums up his current situation: “It makes me feel like I’m in a period where I need to remind people who I am.”
The statistics support that confidence. Lewis Hamilton has moved ahead of both Charles Leclerc and George Russell in the championship standings and now occupies second place in the title race. His resurgence is no longer based on reputation or isolated flashes of speed. It is backed up by results, consistency and a growing belief that he can remain in the fight throughout the season.
Frédéric Vasseur’s role and the Ferrari Lewis Hamilton wanted
Lewis Hamilton has been equally eager to acknowledge that his progress is not solely down to his own performances. The British driver has repeatedly highlighted the importance of the work carried out by Ferrari and team principal Frédéric Vasseur behind the scenes.
According to Lewis Hamilton, many of the improvements visible today stem from changes he pushed for during a challenging 2025 campaign, with Frédéric Vasseur willing to listen and implement those requests despite the difficulties the team was facing at the time.
“I couldn’t have done it without this team, without the reliability we have and also without Fred. Last year was really difficult for both of us and I strongly asked him to make some changes. He stayed committed and made them happen, and now I’m seeing the benefits.”
Those comments reveal a driver who appreciates the work taking place behind the scenes but also one who genuinely believes Ferrari has finally provided him with the environment and the tools needed to perform at his highest level.
For much of Formula 1’s ground-effect era, Lewis Hamilton often appeared to be adapting himself to machinery that did not suit his natural driving style. This season, however, Ferrari seems to have taken significant steps toward creating a package that allows him to exploit his strengths more effectively.
A different mentality compared to recent years
Another revealing insight into Lewis Hamilton’s mindset came when discussing the challenge of chasing rivals rather than defending a position.
“In life, it’s easier to chase than it is to defend.”
That simple statement says a great deal about where he finds himself today. Lewis Hamilton no longer sounds like a champion trying to survive difficult weekends and limit the damage caused by an uncompetitive car. Instead, he sounds like a driver who believes he has the opportunity to attack, improve and fight for major results again.
There is renewed confidence in both his words and performances. The frustration that characterised many weekends over the last few years has gradually been replaced by optimism and determination.
Most importantly, Lewis Hamilton now appears to be driving the car rather than adapting his driving to compensate for its weaknesses. That change alone has made a significant difference to his competitiveness.
More than a comeback: rebuilding the narrative
Lewis Hamilton is not simply enjoying a strong run of form. He is rebuilding the story of the final stage of his Formula 1 career.
The results have returned him to the front of the field, his performances are reinforcing the message, and his own comments make it clear that he feels capable of competing with the very best once again.
For several seasons, Lewis Hamilton found himself driving cars that were unable to fully showcase his talent. In 2026, however, Ferrari’s progress has given the seven-time world champion an opportunity to demonstrate that his abilities remain intact. The season is still long and there is plenty of work ahead if Ferrari wants to close the gap to Mercedes. However, one conclusion is already becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: Lewis Hamilton is back among Formula 1’s leading contenders.
That makes him a major challenge not only for teammate Charles Leclerc, but also for every other driver hoping to stand between Ferrari and future victories.
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