Lewis Hamilton confident Ferrari can still build the quickest car in.. read more
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton remains convinced that Ferrari have the potential to produce the fastest car on the grid this season, despite another frustrating qualifying result at the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
Hamilton has appeared far more positive and relaxed in his media duties throughout 2026 compared to the difficult second half of the previous campaign, when results and performances left the British driver visibly disappointed. Arriving in Montreal, the Ferrari star spoke enthusiastically about the progress being made by the Italian team and even described the car as “fantastic” around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The improved mood around Hamilton has also been reflected in his pace on track. Across practice sessions, sprint qualifying, and grand prix qualifying, the 41-year-old consistently looked competitive and regularly featured near the top of the timing sheets. Ferrari appeared capable of challenging the leading teams at several stages during the weekend.
However, the final results did not fully reflect that potential. Hamilton ended both qualifying sessions in fifth position and crossed the line sixth in the sprint race, finishing behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Despite narrowly missing out on the front rows once again, Hamilton insisted Ferrari are moving in the right direction and believes the gap to their rivals is small enough to overcome during the remainder of the season.
The British driver explained that the team’s current package has strong characteristics and that only minor improvements are needed before Ferrari can consistently fight for victories. He also praised the efforts being made behind the scenes at Maranello, highlighting the determination and commitment shown by engineers and mechanics throughout the opening rounds of the championship.
Hamilton’s optimism comes during a highly competitive start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, with several teams closely matched at the front of the field. Ferrari have shown flashes of strong pace but have struggled to convert that speed into top results on a regular basis.
In Canada, Hamilton demonstrated encouraging race pace during longer runs, strengthening belief within the team that better outcomes are possible on Sundays. While qualifying performance remains an area Ferrari are still trying to perfect, the team appear increasingly confident they can challenge for wins as development continues.
Hamilton also stressed that patience will be important over the course of the season. With the new generation of Formula 1 cars continuing to evolve, he suggested that upgrades introduced later in the campaign could dramatically change the competitive order.
Although Ferrari have yet to establish themselves as outright favourites, Hamilton’s renewed confidence marks a major contrast from the frustration seen last year. The veteran driver appears re-energised by the challenge ahead and remains convinced that Ferrari can eventually produce a championship-winning package.
As Formula 1 heads deeper into the season, Hamilton and Ferrari will hope their promising pace in Montreal can soon be transformed into podium finishes — and perhaps even victories.