BREAKING: Italian media forced to take back Lewis Hamilton comments as ‘major problem’ arises… read more
Italian media forced to take back Lewis Hamilton comments as ‘major problem’ arises
By Hugo Harvey
Monday, March 16, 2026
The early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season have already produced a dramatic shift in the narrative surrounding Lewis Hamilton and his future with Scuderia Ferrari, after a strong performance at the Australian Grand Prix forced sections of the Italian media to walk back their previous criticism of the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton’s fourth-place finish in the opening race of the season marked a promising start to his second year with Ferrari and immediately changed the tone of discussion around the British driver in Italy. The performance came after he started seventh on the grid and produced an impressive recovery drive, finishing just behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who secured third place.
The result meant Ferrari placed both cars inside the top four, closely chasing the two Mercedes machines that finished ahead of them. For Ferrari fans and observers across the paddock, it was a clear sign that the team may finally possess a car capable of challenging for consistent podiums and potentially more.
For Hamilton personally, the drive represented a significant turnaround compared with his difficult debut campaign with Ferrari in 2025. During that first season, results rarely matched expectations, and the veteran driver struggled to consistently extract performance from the SF-25.
Although Hamilton did deliver a memorable victory in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, his performances in the main Grand Prix races were inconsistent. Frustration began to show as the season progressed, with several tense team-radio exchanges and public criticism of the car’s handling characteristics.
At one stage, Hamilton even described himself as “useless” during a particularly difficult period and suggested that Ferrari might need to consider replacing him if the situation did not improve. Such comments shocked many observers and prompted fierce criticism from parts of the Italian press.
Among the most vocal outlets was the respected newspaper Corriere della Sera, which previously published harsh assessments of Hamilton’s conduct during the 2025 season. The publication wrote at the time that the British star was “a champion who can’t behave like a champion,” and even suggested the honeymoon period between Hamilton and Ferrari was already over following the Brazilian Grand Prix.
However, the tone changed dramatically after the season-opening race in Melbourne.
Following Hamilton’s strong performance in Australia, the same publication ran a headline proclaiming that the seven-time champion had rediscovered his form. The article argued that Hamilton finally appears to have the Ferrari he had been hoping for—a car capable of fighting near the front of the grid.
In a notable shift, the outlet acknowledged that its earlier criticism may have been premature. The report admitted that many observers had believed Hamilton’s career was approaching its final chapter but suggested that the opening race of the new season had demonstrated the opposite.
According to the publication, Hamilton now appears rejuvenated and more confident behind the wheel. The article described the British driver as having “regained his shine,” portraying him as the experienced “old fox” who knows exactly how to deliver when given competitive machinery.
Yet despite the renewed praise, the report also raised concerns about a potential complication Ferrari could face if the team’s car proves strong enough to fight for the championship.
The central issue revolves around the dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc.
Leclerc has long been Ferrari’s leading figure and remains one of the most highly rated drivers in Formula 1. If the team’s new package allows both drivers to compete for victories and the title, Ferrari could soon face the delicate challenge of managing two championship contenders in the same garage.
Italian media have suggested that tensions could emerge if Hamilton begins to challenge Leclerc more directly. The possibility of rivalry between the two drivers has already been highlighted ahead of the upcoming race weekend in Shanghai, where Hamilton claimed a sprint race victory in 2025.
Such scenarios inevitably draw comparisons with Hamilton’s famously intense rivalry with Nico Rosberg during their time together at Mercedes. The pair fought fiercely for championships in the mid-2010s, with their relationship eventually deteriorating as their on-track battles intensified.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur may therefore have a challenging balancing act ahead if both drivers remain in championship contention as the season progresses.
So far, however, Hamilton and Leclerc have maintained a positive and respectful relationship within the team. The two drivers have often spoken publicly about their mutual admiration and their shared ambition to bring Ferrari back to the top of Formula 1.
With the next round approaching quickly, attention now turns to the Chinese Grand Prix, where Ferrari will hope to build on the encouraging signs from Australia.
If the Scuderia can continue to close the gap to the front of the grid, the early-season narrative around Hamilton may shift even further from a veteran struggling to adapt, to a revived champion once again capable of fighting for Formula 1’s biggest prize.
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