Lewis Hamilton on beating McLaren and Red Bull: “Not likely, but we’ll try to close the gap” | F1 Baku GP. Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t see Ferrari beating McLaren or Red Bull in Baku.

Hamilton: “I don’t think McLaren and Red Bull are beatable”

The seven-time world champion arrived in the Baku paddock with a hostile attitude toward photographers, covering his face with his hands. Lewis was straightforward: “I don’t think there’s a track where we can challenge McLaren and maybe even Red Bull. If we manage to optimize the car, we might only get closer.”

The Formula 1 paddock is full of rituals. One of the 2025 novelties was Lewis Hamilton entering the paddock… with his face covered, hand in front of his face to avoid the photographers. It’s a small curiosity in the world of Lewis that changes little, but even during the press conference that followed, he didn’t give the impression of someone fully comfortable where he is. It’s well known that Thursday isn’t Lewis Hamilton’s favorite day; media sessions and PR activities are commitments he would gladly skip if he could.

Hamilton comes alive when talking about the Baku weekend, one of the circuits (among the eight remaining in the calendar) where Ferrari could, on paper, have a slightly better chance at a podium.

“I don’t think there’s a track where we can beat McLaren and maybe even Red Bull,” he replied. “They’re simply ahead. They were in Monaco, and I’d say on every other track, so I don’t foresee any changes in the remaining races. Then, if we can maximize the car’s performance, which ultimately means pushing the limits, we might get a little closer.”

The 2026 project and car development

The conversation shifted to the impact of work on the 2026 project on the normal development of the current car. Lewis Hamilton has experienced moments when Formula 1 shifted focus before, in 2009, 2013, and 2021, but according to Lewis, the similarities are few.

“Now it’s different because of the budget cap. I remember in 2008 we developed the car until the end of the season; we were fighting for the championship and updating the car continuously. I also remember that the next season’s car turned out to be a disaster, but in terms of work, the team (McLaren) managed to do both together.”

“Today the situation is different because the shift to the 2026 project happened very early, and it’s not very exciting because you’re effectively stuck with the car you have. I think this makes this season less interesting; there are few developments, but we’ll see how the rest of the championship goes with what we have. For next year, I expect a return to normality, with cars receiving more significant upgrades compared to this season.”

Lewis Hamilton left Monza with positive words about his weekend, not so much in terms of results but in terms of his feeling with the car. However, he doesn’t believe this work will be particularly useful for 2026.

“Personally, I don’t think these last races will have much influence on next year. Of course, the goal is to see progress and continue working, and in this regard, the experience I gain with the team will pay off moving forward. In this sense, every lesson will certainly help us in the future.”

Thoughts on sprint weekends

Finally, Lewis Hamilton spoke positively about the possibility of increasing the number of sprint weekends in Formula 1. “I like them. Many years ago I complained that we had the same format every weekend. I was convinced we needed something different, and shortly after, the sprint format arrived. I think it’s fun. Maybe we could do something more to make it even better, but overall I enjoy these weekends, which feel more intense with just one practice session. I think the fans like it too, and again, I wouldn’t be opposed if this format were expanded to around ten weekends.” – the British driver concluded ahead of the Baku Grand Prix weekend.