Lewis Hamilton has outlined clear goals for Ferrari to achieve following a competitive start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The first two races of the season has produced a Ferrari renaissance, the Scuderia emerging as the closest challenger to pacesetters Mercedes.
Race Starts are proving to be a particular strength, drivers Hamilton and Charles Leclerc moving to the front of the field.
However, there is a slight sting in the tail, for Ferrari as the team cannot match the Silver Arrows in race trim.
His competitive start to the year has reinvigorated Hamilton in 2026, who is a driver transformed following a nadir first year in red.
The seven-time world champion relieved his difficult season, but said the start of 2026 us providing encouragement.
“I started this voyage, and this dream of moving to Ferrari and being on the top step with them, and this podium has taken longer than I had hoped,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week.
“After a difficult year last year, to be able to be a part of developing with them, working with them over the past year, gives me huge pride, and it’s such a privilege to be a part of this brand.”
The start of a very different season for Lewis Hamilton?
Hamilton spoke if his delight at the new SF-26, outlining a clear and bullish target for Ferrari to aim for 2026.
“They provided us a really solid car,” he said.
“As George [Russell] was saying, we’ve got a great package, particularly through corners, just got to step it up to be able to keep up with them on the straights.”
Hamilton’s demeanour in the opening two races is radical departure from that of pre-season testing, when he remained distant and low in media sessions attended by Motorsport Week.
The Briton is full of self-belief, and has a return to the top step of the podium in mind, targeting multiple victories.
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