On 24 September 2026 the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicked off a three-day sprint weekend in Baku, giving the paddock a fresh backdrop for a candid interview with Lewis Hamilton. With the championship already deep into its 23-race calendar (the 15th round), the British veteran used the occasion to spell out his outlook for the remainder of the season.
Hamilton’s points gap and realistic ambitions
After the last two outings in Monza and Madrid Hamilton has collected just eight points leaving him 101 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The Italian teenager, who is only 19, has turned the title fight into a near-walkover, adding roughly a forty-point surge in the final two races. Hamilton told Sky Sports UK that the gap is “a lot still to do”, but he would be satisfied if Ferrari could secure second place in the constructors’ championship even without overtaking the dominant Mercedes chassis.
Ferrari’s internal dynamics and Hamilton’s public statements
Rumours swirling in the Italian press claimed that Hamilton had urged team principal Frederic Vasseur to reshuffle personnel after the mishap at the Italian Grand Prix where a first-lap collision with teammate Charles Leclerc sent Hamilton into the gravel. The British driver later posted on Instagram: “I’ve never asked for anyone on my team to be replaced. Everyone I work with works hard every day, and their dedication is what moves us forward.” He also added, “the buck starts with Fred (Vasseur)”, underscoring that any strategic shift originates from the team boss. The comment was echoed by his teammates and analysts, who stressed that Hamilton’s focus remains on improving the car rather than personnel churn.
Looking ahead: Baku and the remaining nine rounds
With nine rounds still on the calendar, Hamilton believes the fight is far from over. He praised Antonelli’s performance, stating, “There’s no stopping him and Mercedes this year. They’ve done a phenomenal job and they deserve it.” While the champion admits that a title win is highly unlikely, he emphasized the importance of finishing on the podium and helping Ferrari climb the constructors’ standings. The upcoming Baku race, scheduled from 24–26 September will be a crucial test for the red team’s upgraded power unit, which underperformed at the home Italian race despite a promised boost.
Beyond the on-track battles, Hamilton’s comments reflect a broader narrative: a seasoned champion adapting his expectations, defending his teammates, and navigating media speculation while the sport witnesses a generational shift led by Kimi Antonelli. As the season unfolds, the next sprint weekend will reveal whether Ferrari can translate incremental progress into tangible results, or if the championship will continue to march toward a Mercedes-Antonelli finish line.
