Lewis Hamilton revealed he believes the second half of the Formula 1 season will be a stronger period for him and the Ferrari team.
While the seven-time World Champion has only one race win in 2026, his five podiums demonstrate the driver’s consistency and pace, amid a much happier and settled feeling within the Scuderia.
With his lowest race finish this season being P6, the Briton has secured valuable points in the first half of the season. Hamilton currently sits second in the Drivers’ Standings with 169 points, putting him nine points ahead of former teammate George Russell and 50 points behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
And with still half a season to go, Hamilton could be in a realistic pursuit of the championship title as long as that level of consistency holds.
Speaking to media about the first half of the season, Hamilton said: “It has been an amazing first half given I think we’ve been probably, like, three, four tenths down on the straights, in terms of power for the first half of the season,”
“I know the guys are pushing hard to bring upgrades, and we’ve got more to come in the second half. We just keep on pushing.”
While the Italian team have already proven themselves to be fighting for podiums and wins this season, the upgrades could make them even more competitive in the second half.
Hamilton to bounce back stronger
Ferrari has secured two victories this season, one being Hamilton in Spain and the other Charles Leclerc at Silverstone. The prancing horse currently sits second in the Constructors’ Championship with 307 points. However, a real chance to be in the hunt for the title could prove difficult, as the Mercedes team lies 72 points ahead.
At the start of the season, the Mercedes team, specifically Antonelli, looked far ahead of their competitors in race pace and power. However, with reliability issues affecting the team and other teams bringing upgrades to push forward, the doors to a real fight could be opening in the second half of the season.
In addition to Ferrari, both McLaren and Red Bull appear to be charging further ahead as they keep improving each race weekend. Still, the Scuderia team has looked the most competitive of the three.
“I think the second half will be stronger. Usually, the second half is a stronger period for me.” Hamilton said.
“So, as I said, I’ll really take this time to reset and try and come back, try and come back stronger, fitter, and better mentally prepared.”
Historically, Hamilton has demonstrated stronger performance in the second half of the season, such as in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2020. Yet, with the new regulations and every team pushing to be at the front, it remains to be seen whether securing his eighth will be possible this season.
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