Lewis Hamilton Warns Mercedes ‘Not Impossible’ for Ferrari to Catch Up

Ferrari has achieved a decent start to the 2026 season, but they are no match for Mercedes’ dominant showing. Following a second-row finish at the Australian GP, they have once again locked out the second-row for the Chinese GP. Now, Lewis Hamilton motivates the Italian constructor in their impending battle against Mercedes, claiming that a late-season battle isn’t impossible for them.

Lewis Hamilton was good enough to clinch a P3 start for the Chinese GP, with Charles Leclerc right behind him in P4. As such, Hamilton’s motivation is at an all-time high. The Briton is vying for his first podium finish and victory with the Italian constructor. Now, the seven-time champion is confident that with time, they will surely catch up to Mercedes at the forefront.

Speaking on a P3 start and being right behind the Silver Arrows, Lewis Hamilton accepted that he suffered from multiple difficulties. He noted that the track conditions made the Qualifying session all the more tricky. Because of the wind conditions, it was difficult for Hamilton and Co. to string together good lap times. Further, the Briton applauded Charles Leclerc’s efforts to achieve a P4 start for the race.

It was actually a really tough qualifying, A bit harder this one, with the wind – it’s so gusty today, so putting the lap together was challenging. Charles put in great laps, these guys [Mercedes] put in great laps. So I’m really happy to be up here, and grateful to be up here with these guys. 

Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by RacingNews365.

Lewis Hamilton further pointed out how Mercedes had been running up front since the beginning of the season and had achieved a great start. Regardless, Ferrari engineers worked hard on their pace and were looking stronger than ever. As such, Hamilton is confident that the Italian constructor will continue to get closer to the rivals at the forefront and catch up with Mercedes’ development.

They’ve been rapid so far this season, but we did some good work. The engineers did some great work over the break. We managed to get a little bit closer to these guys. So that’s a real positive.

Lewis Hamilton added.

Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘goal’ for the Chinese GP

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton will have a great shot at contending for a podium finish at the Chinese GP, especially after starting the race from P3. The Briton’s best finish at Maranello is only a P4 finish, which he achieved at the recent Australian GP. Now, Hamilton opens up on the goals for the Chinese race and what to expect from him and the crew.

Lewis Hamilton accepted that the Chinese GP would be a challenge for Ferrari. However, he is looking forward to it and hopes to have some fun in the process. Hamilton reflected on the learnings taken in from the sprint race and hopes for the race day to not be as windy as Saturday. The Briton’s ultimate goal on Sunday is to bridge the gap to the Mercedes drivers in the front.

It’s still gonna be a challenge, but I’m sure we’ll have some fun. I’m looking forward to it. We’ll have a lot of fun, we learned a lot in the sprint race. So let’s hope tomorrow is not as windy as this, and our goal is to try and break the gap between these guys somehow.

Lewis Hamilton noted.

The 2026 season has been exciting so far despite the complexities of the new regulations. Ferrari can finally start fighting for race wins and help Lewis Hamilton maximize his results on track. The year has just begun, and there is a long road to development. All eyes will be on the Chinese GP as Hamilton finally achieves his first podium finish with Maranello.

Read More: Max Verstappen Brands Red Bull Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying Performance a ‘Disaster’

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