Former McLaren engineer Marc Priestley believes that Ferrari have unlocked a “model new” model of Lewis Hamilton following his efficiency on the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion demonstrated renewed confidence and flexibility, suggesting that the SF-26 might lastly go well with him much better than earlier ground-effect-era vehicles.
Lewis Hamilton recovered from a difficult P7 on the grid to complete fourth, serving to Ferrari safe a powerful begin to the 2026 Components 1 season. Though Charles Leclerc completed forward of Hamilton to assert his eighth podium since becoming a member of Ferrari alongside Hamilton, the 2 drivers crossed the chequered flag separated by lower than a second, highlighting how intently matched they’re in tempo.
Hamilton’s radio communications in the course of the race mirrored a much more optimistic mindset in comparison with final season, with group morale seemingly lifted by the automotive’s efficiency. Whereas Juan Pablo Montoya criticized Ferrari’s strategic resolution to not pit below the primary digital security automotive—a transfer that will have value Lewis Hamilton the next ending place—Priestley was deeply impressed with Hamilton’s demeanor and general tempo all through the weekend.
Marc Priestley sees Lewis Hamilton extra upbeat and assured than ever
Talking on the Chequered Flag Podcast, Marc Priestley highlighted that the Briton’s perspective on the Albert Park circuit was a key takeaway from the primary race of the season. He advised that Lewis Hamilton seems to be each mentally and emotionally rejuvenated, which might translate into podium finishes quickly.
Priestley defined that, regardless of ending behind Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton incessantly led Ferrari by way of lap tempo and confirmed consistency all through the race. He famous that the sort of automotive, with the brand new 2026 laws, seems much more appropriate with the seven-time Components 1 world champion’s driving type than the earlier ground-effect designs that brought about him issue throughout his final seasons at Mercedes and Ferrari. Priestley speculated that the momentum in Components 1 might now be swinging again in Lewis Hamilton’s favor.
Lewis Hamilton’s emotional state stays a decisive issue
Priestley, who labored intently with Lewis Hamilton in the course of the early phases of his profession at McLaren, burdened the significance of a driver’s emotional wellbeing for efficiency. Reflecting on Hamilton’s early years, together with his first World Championship in 2008, Priestley noticed that the Briton’s mindset typically had an even bigger influence on race outcomes than technical adjustments to the automotive.
He recounted that non-public points, resembling his relationship with Nicole Scherzinger, instantly influenced Lewis Hamilton’s efficiency, demonstrating that emotional stability may be as essential as mechanical enhancements. This expertise underscores why Lewis Hamilton’s renewed positivity in 2026, strengthened by the competitiveness of the SF-26, might have a direct influence on his capability to problem for wins.
Ferrari’s SF-26 offers Hamilton an actual likelihood to problem
Lewis Hamilton’s improved temper is probably going linked to the Maranello group’s progress in the course of the winter testing and the improved race tempo of the SF-26. Damon Hill additionally highlighted that Lewis Hamilton appeared “extra racy” and aggressive in Australia, a sentiment echoed by many followers desirous to see the seven-time world champion again in competition for victories.
Looking forward to the Chinese language Grand Prix, Ferrari might want to fine-tune their strategic calls, particularly with one other Dash Race format on the calendar. Returning to Shanghai, the place Hamilton claimed his solely Ferrari win final season, supplies an excellent alternative for him to copy that success and proceed constructing momentum in 2026.
With Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton pushing one another intently on the entrance of the sector, and the SF-26 performing strongly, Ferrari might be well-positioned to problem Mercedes and Purple Bull all through the early a part of the 2026 season.
Mar 9, 2026
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