Lewis Hamilton puts F1 rivals on notice with ‘stronger’ prediction

Lewis Hamilton has expressed confidence that the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season will be stronger for him and Ferrari, citing upcoming upgrades after acknowledging a power deficit of three to four tenths on straights in the first half. The seven-time World Champion has recorded one race win and five podiums, with a worst finish of P6, leaving him second in the Drivers' Standings with 169 points. Hamilton trails championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 50 points and holds a nine-point advantage over third-placed George Russell.