Hamilton ‘feels like I’m reminding people who I am’
Hamilton Equal to Senna in Monaco Podium Count
Hamilton feels like I m reminding - Lewis Hamilton has achieved a notable milestone in his Formula 1 career, matching the legendary Ayrton Senna with eight podium finishes at the Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion's second-place finish in the race this year marks a significant turning point after a challenging start to the 2025 season with Ferrari. Hamilton, who has been vocal about his self-doubt during the early part of the year, appears to be regaining his form as the sport adjusts to new aerodynamic rules introduced in 2026.
Hamilton's performance this year has been a welcome contrast to the difficulties he faced in the debut season with Ferrari. During that period, he occasionally expressed uncertainty about his role on the team, but his recent results suggest a renewed confidence. After finishing second in the Monaco Grand Prix, the 41-year-old driver reflected on the support he received from his fans and the team, stating:
“My fans last year were telling me to remind me of who I am, and now I'm having to show up each weekend and try to do that.”
This sentiment underscores the emotional journey Hamilton has undergone, transitioning from a season of doubt to one of renewed determination.
The 2026 rule changes have played a pivotal role in Hamilton's resurgence, as they have aligned the cars more closely with his driving style. While the Ferrari team has struggled to maximize their potential, Hamilton's ability to adapt to the new regulations has allowed him to compete more effectively. His current position in the championship standings, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 66 points, is a testament to his gradual comeback. The Briton also highlighted his gratitude to his team, noting:
“I can't believe that I'm second in the championship, and I'm really happy and thankful for that, and I couldn't have done that without this team, without the reliability that we have.”
Hamilton's podium in Monaco was shared with the race winner, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, and 21-year-old Isack Hadjar. This outcome marked a dramatic shift in the competition, as Antonelli's performance contrasted sharply with that of George Russell, his Mercedes teammate. Russell's difficulties in the race further amplified Hamilton's achievement, showcasing the progress the 41-year-old has made. "Antonelli-Russell contrast could hardly be more stark," one analyst noted, highlighting the gap in performance between the two drivers.
Hamilton's journey with Ferrari has not been without challenges, but his partnership with team principal Frederic Vasseur has been crucial. Vasseur's decision to sign the Briton in early 2024 has paid off, as evidenced by Hamilton's recent results.
“Fred has been awesome in supporting me,” Hamilton said. “Last year was a really, really tough year for us, and begging him for certain changes, and he pulled through, and he did those, and now I'm seeing the fruits of that, and I'm able to finally deliver for them.”
This endorsement from Hamilton reflects the trust and belief the team has in him, despite the hurdles faced during the transition phase.
The Monaco race was marked by unexpected events, including a crash involving Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll. Leclerc's accident, which occurred at the restart after the first safety car, led to a red flag as the track surface began to deteriorate. While Leclerc attributed the issue to brake problems, he emphasized his frustration with the situation:
“It doesn't help to have asphalt that is coming off but data speaks for itself,” Leclerc said. “I don't know how much I can go into the detail. It's extremely frustrating. I've always been very honest, no matter how many mistakes I do, I would hate to look at myself in the mirror and see myself finding excuses when I do a mistake, so that's why I'm always bluntly honest when I'm in front of cameras. But I'm not going to take any of it today.”
His comments reveal a blend of technical critique and personal resolve, despite the setbacks.
Hamilton's ability to maintain his position in the championship, even as he competes against younger talents like Antonelli, highlights his adaptability. While the new rules have benefited his team, they have also created a more competitive landscape. Hamilton acknowledged the performance gap, stating:
“The performance they have is next level, so it was a good experience because it gives me a much better idea of where I need to have the team lean and improve, not only from what I'm feeling, but what I'm seeing as well. And, yeah, there's lots of things that we need to react to. Just general performance. Downforce-wise, clearly they're above us, and then, obviously, the power. For us here, power's not such an issue. It's just downforce. You can see just on traction, those guys were night and day different to us. Hopefully we've got some performance coming, and the guys are working pretty hard back in the factory, so I hope that they're happy with this result.”
These insights underscore the ongoing evolution of both driver and team dynamics in the sport.
As the 2026 season progresses, Hamilton remains focused on closing the championship gap. His reflections on the race and the team's performance suggest a pragmatic approach to the challenges ahead. "It's still very early days in the season, so we just have to keep chasing. It's actually easier to change than it is to defend, I would say, in life," he remarked. This mindset positions Hamilton as a driver who is not only competing to reclaim his title but also learning and adapting from each race. The road to recovery has been long, but with each step, he demonstrates a commitment to proving his worth on the track.