After a nightmare first season at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has become a contender for victories again in 2026. Gerhard Berger praises the remarkable comeback of the Briton.
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Lewis Hamilton has regained form at Ferrari. After a particularly difficult 2025 campaign, the seven-time world champion is once again at the forefront this season and holds second place in the world championship at the summer break.
With one win and four other podiums in the first eleven rounds, the Briton seems to have definitively turned the page on a difficult first year with the Scuderia. A revival that did not go unnoticed by Gerhard Berger, former Formula 1 driver and ex-Ferrari driver.
A very difficult first season in Maranello
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari had generated immense enthusiasm, but the results did not meet expectations in 2025.
The Briton had not secured any podiums and was regularly outpaced by Charles Leclerc, making his adaptation more difficult than expected.
However, the situation has radically changed this season. After benefiting from a full winter to work with the engineers in Maranello, Hamilton was able to participate in the development of the SF-26 to better suit his driving style.
The introduction of the new engine regulations in 2026 also seems to have worked in his favor, as well as his mastery of energy management, which has become an essential element of current performance.
Berger is delighted to see Hamilton and Ferrari back at the top
For Gerhard Berger, seeing Ferrari return to the front is already excellent news. But Lewis Hamilton’s return to form is an additional satisfaction.
“In general, we are all happy when Ferrari wins. Ferrari remains Ferrari.”
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The Austrian admits he was particularly affected by the difficulties the Briton faced during his first year with the Scuderia.
“I was also very happy for Lewis because it was very difficult for him. He arrived at Ferrari eager to regain the successes he had known before.”
“He finally seems to be coming out of this bad patch”
According to Berger, Hamilton faced several obstacles upon his arrival in Maranello.
“He suddenly found himself in a complicated situation, both technically and because of the presence of an extremely fast teammate.”
The former driver believes this period now belongs to the past.
“Last year was very difficult for Lewis, but today, it feels like he is finally coming out of this bad patch.”
At 41, Lewis Hamilton thus proves that he has lost none of his speed or motivation. Thanks to a more suitable technical environment and a now competitive Ferrari, the Briton has repositioned himself in the fight for the world championship and shows that he will still be a force to reckon with in the second half of the season.
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