Lewis Hamilton has voiced a strong conviction that his partnership with Ferrari could propel him into a battle for an eighth world championship this season. Currently sitting second in the drivers' standings, Hamilton trails Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli by 45 points as the championship approaches the Hungarian Grand Prix, the eleventh round of a twenty‑two race calendar. This marks the first occasion since his contentious loss to Max Verstappen in 2021 that Hamilton finds himself genuinely in contention for the title. The 41‑year‑old veteran expressed genuine enthusiasm about being back in the hunt, noting how rewarding the experience feels after a challenging debut year with the Scuderia.
"It’s amazing," Hamilton said, reflecting on his progress in 2026. "When you compare where we were last season, the turnaround is striking. I’m extremely proud of the team for the collective strides we’ve made, and I also have to acknowledge my own contributions – the hard work, the adjustments I’ve implemented, and the perseverance that has gotten us to this point.
I’m proud of myself as well." He added that, while the season’s second half still presents a steep climb, his focus has never been sharper. "There’s a lot left to do, a mountain still to scale, but I’m more determined than ever and I truly believe we can fight for the championship," he affirmed. Despite Antonelli’s impressive form, Hamilton cautioned against viewing the Hungarian Grand Prix – the final race before the summer hiatus – as a make‑or‑break moment for his title aspirations.
"We continue to develop and push forward," he explained. "There’s still a long way to go. I don’t see this race or the next as a decisive breakpoint.
If there is a breakpoint, I don’t know when it will happen. This is simply a time for us to keep hammering away, double‑down on development, and maintain pressure." Hamilton highlighted the team’s recent successes, noting two victories and numerous podium finishes that have positioned Ferrari close to Mercedes in the race for wins.
"We’re right on Mercedes’ heels now and can consistently challenge them for victories, which is a positive sign," he said. Ferrari have been tipped by some analysts as potential favorites at the Hungaroring, given the circuit’s layout – a mix of slow corners that could mitigate the power deficit of their engine compared with Mercedes.
However, Hamilton remains cautious, insisting that Mercedes still represents the benchmark to beat. "I don’t want to make assumptions," he warned. "In the last couple of races we could have won if we had executed perfectly.
The car was capable. In Spa we were more competitive than expected, but I missed something that weekend and I don’t want a repeat in Hungary." He reiterated his belief that Ferrari now possesses a car capable of competing at the front, yet acknowledged Mercedes’ continued dominance.
"Mercedes still have the car to beat, naturally, as they have the most wins and won’t be easy to overcome this weekend. But we have made subtle progress and hope to challenge them on Saturday." The upcoming weekend’s schedule is packed with action across multiple categories. On Thursday, July 23, the drivers’ press conference kicks off at 2 p.m., followed by the Paddock Uncut at 5 p.m. Friday, July 24, features F3 and F2 practice sessions in the morning, Hungarian GP Practice One at 12:30 p.m., and a series of qualifying sessions for the junior formulas, culminating in the F1 Show at 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 25, begins with the F3 Sprint at 9 a.m., then the Hungarian GP Practice Three at 11:30 a.m., a brief F2 Sprint, and the crucial Hungarian GP Qualifying later in the afternoon. The day concludes with Ted’s Qualifying Notebook, offering expert analysis of the session.
Sunday, July 26, rounds out the weekend with the F3 Feature Race, Porsche Supercup, and F2 Feature Race in the morning, before the Hungarian Grand Prix itself starts at 2 p.m. The race will be followed by post‑race reactions, the chequered flag ceremony, and another edition of Ted’s Notebook. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with the option to stream via NOW without a long‑term contract. Fans can also stay updated through Sky Sports on WhatsApp and enjoy additional content such as the F1 Show and expert commentary.
In summary, Hamilton’s message to his rivals is clear: while Ferrari have made significant strides and the Hungaroring may suit their car’s characteristics, the fight for the championship remains open. He stresses continuous development, acknowledges the work still required, and underscores his belief that with perseverance and strategic execution, he can still mount a serious challenge for an eighth title. The upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix will be another step in that journey, but Hamilton insists it is not the sole determinant of his championship fate. The season’s second half promises intense competition, and Hamilton appears ready to meet it head‑on.