Lewis Hamilton: Closing the gap to Mercedes is going to take a mighty push from everybody at Ferrari
SUZUKA, JAPAN — Lewis Hamilton has delivered a candid and sobering assessment of Ferrari’s current position in the 2026 Formula One season, admitting that bridging the performance gap to Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team will require a united and relentless effort from everyone within Scuderia Ferrari.
Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend at Suzuka Circuit, the seven-time world champion acknowledged that while Ferrari has made visible progress compared to last season, the team is still significantly behind the front-running Mercedes outfit, which has shown dominant pace throughout the weekend.
Hamilton, now in his second season with Ferrari, did not shy away from the reality of the challenge. “Closing that gap is not something that happens overnight,” he said. “It’s going to take a mighty push from everybody — engineers, mechanics, drivers — every single person working flat out to move us forward.”
The British driver’s comments come after a difficult qualifying session that saw him secure a place on the third row of the grid, behind both Mercedes cars and several other frontrunners. Despite extracting what he described as “everything possible” from the car, Hamilton admitted that the performance ceiling of the current Ferrari package is still not where it needs to be.
Mercedes, on the other hand, has looked sharp and composed, continuing a strong run of form that has re-established them as the benchmark team in the early part of the 2026 campaign. Their superiority in both single-lap pace and long-run consistency has left rivals scrambling for answers — and Ferrari is no exception.
Hamilton pointed to several areas where Ferrari must improve if they are to mount a serious challenge. Chief among them is overall car balance, which has proven inconsistent across different track conditions. The 41-year-old has repeatedly highlighted issues with rear instability and unpredictable handling, particularly through high-speed corners — a critical factor at a demanding circuit like Suzuka.
“There are moments where the car feels good, and then suddenly it doesn’t,” Hamilton explained. “That inconsistency makes it difficult to push with full confidence, and in Formula One, confidence is everything.”
However, despite the frustrations, Hamilton remains optimistic about Ferrari’s long-term trajectory. He emphasized that the team has a clear direction for development and believes that the foundations are being laid for future success. The recent podium finish earlier in the season has also provided a glimpse of what could be possible once performance gains are realized.
Importantly, Hamilton also stressed the need for patience and cohesion within the team. Unlike quick-fix solutions, he believes that sustained progress will come from continuous incremental improvements and a shared commitment to excellence.
“This is a process,” he said. “We’re building something. It’s not just about one upgrade or one race — it’s about consistently finding performance, race after race.”
The internal atmosphere at Ferrari, according to Hamilton, remains focused and determined despite the gap to Mercedes. The team is said to be working intensively on upcoming upgrades, with hopes that a significant step forward could arrive in the next phase of the season.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s leadership role within Ferrari continues to grow. His experience and technical feedback are proving invaluable as the team navigates a crucial development period under the evolving 2026 regulations. His presence has also helped galvanize the squad, reinforcing a culture of accountability and resilience.
As the Japanese Grand Prix approaches, Hamilton faces a challenging race ahead. Starting from the third row, he will need a strong launch and a well-executed strategy to fight his way into podium contention. While a win may be a stretch under current conditions, Formula One has often proven unpredictable — and Hamilton is no stranger to capitalizing on opportunity.
For now, though, the message is clear: Ferrari’s road back to the top will not be easy. But with determination, unity, and what Hamilton describes as a “mighty push,” the fight is far from over.