Hamilton has fuelled Ferrari’s hopes of victory in the Monaco Grand Prix after achieving his first podium finish in Canada – Hamilton believes that Ferrari could emerge as a serious contender for victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, having delivered his strongest performance yet for the Scuderia in Canada.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion finished second in Montreal, just over ten seconds behind Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli. Afterwards, he suggested that Ferrari’s weaknesses may be less exposed on the streets of Monte Carlo.
Hamilton’s runner-up finish was a significant boost for Ferrari following a challenging start to the 2026 season. The British driver also reduced the gap to his teammate, Charles Leclerc, to just three points in the drivers’ standings. Meanwhile, Antonelli’s fourth consecutive victory extended the Mercedes driver’s championship lead to 43 points.
Ferrari could be ‘really strong’
Speaking after the race, Hamilton admitted that he was feeling more comfortable with the Ferrari package than at any time since his blockbuster move from Mercedes.
“This is a track where engine power isn’t as crucial; the car’s performance clearly plays a major role,” he explained when asked about Ferrari’s chances in Monaco Speedweek reported.
“I think our car could be really strong there. I’ll focus on getting up there with the same energy I have here this weekend, and I’ll sit down with the engineers to make sure we have the car in the right operating window right from the first practice session.”
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The Canada podium provided encouragement for Ferrari
Hamilton’s performance in Montreal triggered renewed optimism among Ferrari supporters after several races in which the team had struggled to consistently challenge Mercedes and Red Bull at the front of the grid.
The 105-time Grand Prix winner appeared significantly more confident throughout the weekend, describing the Canadian Grand Prix as the best experience he has had since joining Ferrari.
This result was especially significant given the attention surrounding Ferrari’s transition to Hamilton’s arrival and their inconsistent performance on different circuits this season.
While Antonelli led the race, Hamilton maintained competitive speed through the corners and under braking — areas where Ferrari’s chassis package appeared especially strong.
However, the Hamilton also highlighted one key limitation that is still preventing Ferrari from consistently fighting for victories.
Hamilton pinpoints Ferrari’s power deficit
Despite his encouraging podium finish, Hamilton openly admitted that Ferrari remains at a disadvantage on the straights compared to its main rivals.
“Yes, if we didn’t have this power deficit, we’d be on par with the guys at the front,” he said.
“But unfortunately, that wasn’t the case in today’s race. I kept thinking, ‘I need more power. I can keep up in the corners, but I can’t follow through.”
“That’s why you see them pull away on the straights until I can catch up under braking. And then it just repeats itself.”
Hamilton explained that even when he managed to stay close to the cars in front, Ferrari lacked the straight-line performance necessary to mount an attack.
“It’s really tough. Even if the gap is less than a second and you’re within striking distance, they can pull away again,” he continued.
“That’s how much power they have, and we’re far behind.”
Why Monaco could suit Ferrari
Nevertheless, the characteristics of the Monaco circuit could provide Ferrari with its best opportunity yet to secure a victory in 2026.
Unlike power-sensitive tracks such as Montreal or Monza, Monaco places far greater emphasis on low-speed cornering performance, mechanical grip, and driver confidence. Straight-line speed traditionally plays a smaller role around the tight confines of Monte Carlo.
This appears to have given Hamilton renewed confidence ahead of one of Formula 1’s most prestigious weekends.
He is also one of the most successful active drivers in Monaco’s history, having claimed three victories and seven podium finishes at the famous street circuit during his career.
Ferrari will also be hoping that home favourite Charles Leclerc can maintain his strong Monaco form following his previous standout performances around the principality.
Hamilton added that Ferrari is working on solutions to improve its overall performance within Formula 1’s evolving technical framework.
“I really hope that with this new ADUO rule, we can improve our performance and compete with them again,” he said. “But Monaco should be exciting.”
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
