Overview
- Motorsport.com’s assessment notes Hamilton is seeking a rebound after a bruising 2025 at Ferrari, which included his first F1 season without a grand prix podium despite a Chinese sprint win.
- Reporters say Ferrari’s 2026 package looks quick and Hamilton feels the new cars are more enjoyable to drive, though energy management and less stable braking could blunt his strengths.
- Pre-season betting moved sharply, with GPFans reporting his title odds shortened from 33/1 to 6/1, while former teammate George Russell is a 2/1 market leader.
- Hamilton remains winless since joining Ferrari, and his most recent victory is the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, awarded after stewards found George Russell’s car underweight.
- The seven-time champion enters 2026 at age 41 with career marks of 105 wins, 104 poles and 202 podiums across 380 starts.