I’m useless, absolutely useless,” he said. “We probably need to change the driver.”
Quick summary – click for full details Concise summary of key highlights
Formula 1 | Is Lewis Hamilton’s hopes for an eighth World Championship still alive?
In one lineLewis Hamilton’s eighth Formula 1 World Championship remains possible despite trailing Kimi Antonelli in the standings.Key points• Hamilton’s championship hopesDespite being 45 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers’ Championship, Hamilton’s consistency and recent performances with Ferrari keep his eighth title dream alive.• Ferrari’s competitive edgeHamilton’s first win with Ferrari in Spain and five podiums in 10 races highlight the team’s improved competitiveness, particularly on tracks like the Hungaroring.• Antonelli’s rookie surgeTeenage sensation Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with six wins and eight podiums, outperforming expectations and posing a significant challenge to Hamilton.• Track suitability for FerrariThe Hungaroring’s low-speed corners and emphasis on mechanical grip play to Ferrari’s strengths, where Hamilton has historically dominated with eight wins and nine poles.• Mercedes’ Constructors’ leadMercedes leads the Constructors’ Championship with 358 points, while Ferrari trails with 285, making every point crucial for Hamilton’s title ambitions.Key statistics45 pointsChampionship points deficit1 winHamilton’s wins with Ferrari6 winsAntonelli’s wins this season285 pointsFerrari’s Constructors’ points358 pointsMercedes’ Constructors’ pointsProcessed with AI. Reviewed by DH Digital Team.
These were Lewis Hamilton’s words one year ago after qualifying at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. One year later, the tides have turned and Hamilton finds himself “worlds away” from where he was 12 years ago.
Second in the World Drivers’ Championship and 45 points behind his Mercedes replacement, teenage talent Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton’s dream of securing a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship remains very much alive.
The 2026 season will have reached its official halfway point after the Hungarian GP, not in the number of races, but with the summer break approaching and it could set the stage for an explosive return for Hamilton a month from now.
Finding his rhythm with the Ferrari brought him his first win after a two-year wait in Spain, and it could also potentially see him in striking distance of the Championship lead once F1 returns after the summer break.
The seven-time world champion has defined his second season with Ferrari with consistency rather than overwhelming dominance. With one win and five podiums in 10 races, regularly collected podium finishes and otherwise crucial points have bumped him to where he is on the leaderboard, whereas his rivals remained hindered.
His newfound confidence in the car seems to be the obvious key to success. “I think we’ve got a car that can compete. Mercedes is still the car to beat, and they won’t be easy to beat this weekend, but I do think we’ve made subtle progress. Hopefully we can be fighting with them this weekend,” Hamilton told F1 TV.
The Hungaroring will suit the Ferrari’s strengths, dominant in making the most of low-speed corners and quick electrical bursts on short straights. Seeing as the track places greater emphasis on mechanical grip, high downforce and extracting consistent lap times, Hamilton and his SF-26 will be well-suited.
“In Silverstone, the car was capable of winning, and then in Spa, we were a lot more competitive than we thought,” he explained.
Hungary is Hamilton’s most dominant track. He holds the most poles at nine and the most wins at eight – boasting dominance over his championship contender Antonelli.
Although the Mercedes rookie has exceeded expectations this season, finding himself at the top of the championship leaderboard with six wins and eight podiums, Hamilton’s experience will surely be an aid to him in this part of the championship battle.
When asked how it feels to be in the mix of possibly winning a title, he said, “It’s amazing. It’s a great feeling. For one, I’m really proud of the team, of the steps we’ve taken collectively. The work that I’ve put in and the changes that I’ve made to enable us to be where we are. I’m really proud of myself for that.”
Ferrari’s job is the furthest from done however.
Meeting their expectations in the Constructors’ championship as well as aiding Hamilton to an eighth championship will be done over the course of four more months. Consistency is key for the Scuderia and they must continue to deliver a car capable of challenging the Mercedes and finishing in the top-three without question.
Reliability has to be the number one focus as any DNFs, technical hindrances and engine issues will slowly let Mercedes edge away with both the championships.
“I’m just trying to figure out how I can maximise each weekend. I’m generally not thinking about 10 races from now. One race at a time,” said Hamilton.
Victory in Budapest would not only reduce the championship deficit but also shift the psychological momentum before Formula One’s summer break.
Hamilton, at 41 years of age, is having yet another impressive season in his Ferrari and with his performance so far, one must wonder, is the most remarkable chapter of an already legendary career still to come?
F1 Standings
Drivers (Top 10)
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 204
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 159
3. George Russell (Mercedes) 154
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 126
5. Lando Norris (McLaren) 103
6. Oscar Piastri (Mclaren) 92
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) 60
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 42
10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) 39
Constructors (Top 5)
1. Mercedes 358
2. Ferrari 285
3. McLaren 195
4. Red Bull 151
5. Alpine 61