A Season of Highs and Quiet Weekends
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was billed as one of the biggest storylines in Formula 1 history, and 2026 has delivered plenty of drama, just not always the kind Hamilton wanted. After 12 rounds, the seven-time champion sits tied on points for second in the standings, but slips to third once tiebreakers are applied.
The Numbers Behind the Struggle
- 183 points, level with Mercedes’ George Russell
- Falls behind Russell on countback due to fewer race wins
- A quiet seventh place at the Dutch Grand Prix
- 53-point gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli
What’s Gone Wrong
Unlike Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who has built his championship lead through consistency, Hamilton’s season has been shaped by uneven form. A single victory has been the highlight, but too many weekends have delivered results well outside the podium picture, allowing both Russell and Norris to close in.
Ferrari’s Response
Behind the scenes, there has been talk of Ferrari working to secure Hamilton’s long-term future at the team, a sign that the Scuderia remains committed to the project even as results lag behind expectations. Team principal Fred Vasseur has previously spoken about strategy adjustments aimed at getting more out of the car for Hamilton specifically.
Can He Recover Second Place?
With the title race tightening and 11 rounds remaining, Hamilton’s path back into a comfortable second requires a string of stronger weekends, starting at Monza, historically one of Ferrari’s most important home events.
Conclusion
Hamilton’s first Ferrari campaign will not be remembered as a title win, but the second half of 2026 still offers a chance to salvage a runner-up finish and silence questions about the fit between driver and team.