Source: Official Team Post via X
Damon Hill Concedes Error in Predicting Hamilton's Post-2021 Collapse
Lewis Hamilton's rejuvenation at Ferrari has surprised many, including Damon Hill, who once thought Hamilton might be permanently affected by the 2021 Abu Dhabi finale. Now, Hamilton's performances in 2026 suggest he's far from finished in the hunt for championship glory.
Lewis Hamilton has defied expectations by revitalizing his career with Ferrari in 2026, much to the surprise of former F1 champion Damon Hill. After the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, many expected Hamilton to struggle permanently, but he's proving otherwise. With three races left this season, Hamilton is in a strong position to finish second in the championship, trailing only Kimi Antonelli and leading his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, by 10 points.
Hamilton's recent triumph in Barcelona marked his first win with Ferrari, while a pole position in Mexico City was his first in three years, highlighting a resurgence few anticipated, least of all Hill. "He’s been crushed since Abu Dhabi, in effect," Hill admitted on Sky Sports' The F1 Show. "He’s performed incredibly well this year, much better than I thought. He is an extraordinary individual."
Hamilton's path back to form wasn't straightforward. Post-Abu Dhabi, his performance at Mercedes dwindled under new regulations, and his first year with Ferrari was underwhelming. However, his 2026 form indicates he's back in the mix for top honors. Calls for Hamilton's retirement have quieted, particularly after former racer Ralf Schumacher suggested it was time for Hamilton to step away. Yet, his current form suggests he's still capable of contending for championships. If Ferrari can resolve their engine issues by 2027, Hamilton may very well outpace Leclerc over a full season, keeping his dream of an eighth world title alive.
In parallel, Juan Pablo Montoya has commented on Max Verstappen's situation at Red Bull, as Verstappen prepares for the departure of his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, to McLaren. Montoya praised Red Bull's foresight in integrating Tom Hart as Verstappen’s new race engineer ahead of time, allowing them to build rapport and avoid the issues Hamilton faced when transitioning to Ferrari and working with new engineers. Montoya emphasized the importance of a strong driver-engineer relationship, noting that such connections can significantly enhance on-track performance.
With Red Bull's strategic planning, and Hamilton's unexpected resurgence, the F1 landscape remains as dynamic as ever, with seasoned drivers and teams continually adapting to stay competitive.