Lewis Hamilton has revealed a change of approach in 2026, as his Formula 1 renaissance continues ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Hamilton is enjoying a renaissance during his second season at Ferrari, the new 2026 cars playing to the strengths of the seven-time world champion.
The SF-26 has proven to be a significant upgrade over its 2025 counterpart; it is comfortably the second fastest car on the grid, allowing Hamilton to push in the opening races.
Hamilton himself is a driver reborn, with an air of confidence around him, a stark contrast from the dejected figure that raced last season.
Revealing the details behind the journey to his already better season, he hinted at a different relationship with the media, confirming he no longer struggles with confidence, and outlined his intensive programme away from the track.
“I personally don’t find it a relief,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week in Japan.
“I think it’s just a change of attitude. Just not letting all the BS that surrounds and coming up in people’s mouths get in the way of knowing who I am.
“What I’m able to do. I hope you saw that in the last two races, particularly the last race. I’ll continue to try and show up and show that for the rest of the year.I’ve not lost what I’ve had.
“Regardless of some of you or people who write that, I’ll continue to show up. I’m training harder than ever.
“Last year I was in Tokyo between this race and the last race. I ran like a hundred kilometres. I know that none of the drivers I’m racing against have trained as hard as I have.I’m giving it what I have.
“Especially at my age as well. I love that.I still have that drive to push myself.
“I was at the hotel and several drivers walked in and I finished my runs. I know they were just kidding.
“The commitment is there more than ever. I dedicate absolutely everything I have to this challenge. This is the target that I have.”
Lewis Hamilton on returning to Suzuka
Hamilton confirmed his approach to Suzuka this weekend, a circuit where he has tasted victory champagne four times.
He reaffirmed his mentality that he had not lost his confidence in 2025, and that he believes he is returning to his performance peak ahead of a “tough” season.
“No, I feel like I don’t really rely on the past as a part of me approaching a new circuit,” he said.
“I don’t think about any of that as far as the past. I’ve come here, it feels like the first time.Yes, we know where the corners are going to be. It’s a completely new car. Each corner will be a slightly different approach.
“I didn’t say that I didn’t lose confidence last year. It’s a natural part of the process. Some of the most trying times, the most important thing is getting back up.And that’s what I’ve done this year. No one’s done it before me.
“I’ve done it myself.That’s what you have to do as individuals. And that’s the ultimate test, I think, for an athlete, is if you can get it. And get back to being the best.And continue to try. That’s how you show up.
“That’s how you show up in this fight. So hopefully I’m proud to get to this point. But there’s a long way to go. We’re under no illusion.And I’m under no illusion. That it’s going to be a really tough season.
“But I’m trying to prepare myself physically and mentally for the long haul. So I can sustain the performance that I’ve had in the last couple of years. And in the time that the guys have tracked me. I can really try and help guide, alongside Charles [Leclerc], the team, in the right preparation.So we can close the gap and try to start finding goals.”
This level of detail has been missing from Hamilton’s media sessions for over a year, and indicates a driver in a new phase of his career. Gone is the downbeat figure of 2025. Instead, 2026 Hamilton is confident, determined and a real threat to the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
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