Lewis Hamilton expressed renewed energy after experiencing a significant transformation in the Ferrari SF-26 during practice in Montreal. A combination of setup refinement and a break from simulator work seems to have led to improved performance, allowing Hamilton to feel more confident on track. While Ferrari didn’t introduce new parts, the adjustments made to the existing setup have resulted in encouraging qualifying results, highlighting a pivotal moment for Hamilton and the team.

By the Numbers
  • Hamilton topped Sprint qualifying session 1 and placed second in session 2.
  • He ultimately finished fifth in final qualifications, his best performance in recent weeks.
Yes, But

Despite the positive experience, Hamilton noted that he still didn’t understand why other teams were able to perform better in the final classification, indicating that challenges remain in competitive racing.

State of Play
  • Hamilton had a breakthrough weekend, feeling comfortable and confident in the car’s performance.
  • The team focused on refining the existing setup rather than introducing new hardware, which proved beneficial.
What's Next

Looking forward, Hamilton hopes to maintain this positive momentum and continue refining setup strategies, indicating potential for ongoing improvement throughout the season.

Bottom Line

The transformation of the Ferrari SF-26 has reinvigorated Hamilton, showcasing the importance of setup evolution over new parts. This shift could position him favorably for upcoming races if the team maintains this trajectory.