Hamilton lifts Ferrari, climbs to second in F1 standings

Lewis Hamilton has engineered a dramatic mid-season resurgence with Ferrari, positioning himself second in the Formula 1 drivers' championship at the sport's summer break in August 2026. After a difficult debut season with the team in 2025, the seven-time world champion has secured a commanding victory in Barcelona and four additional podium finishes, marking one of the standout turnarounds of the current campaign.

Hamilton's performance has drawn praise from fellow champions, who highlight his active role in reshaping the team. Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, stated that Hamilton has used his considerable influence to ensure the car and team operations suit his driving style, a level of authority rare in modern Formula 1. Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger also welcomed the revival, expressing happiness for both Hamilton and the Scuderia, and noting his sympathy for the driver's challenging first year.

When assessing his own season, Hamilton offered a measured personal verdict, describing his performances so far as "slightly above average." He emphasized a focus on maximizing each race weekend rather than engaging in speculation about a potential title fight. Hamilton...