Hamilton 'convinced' Ferrari can challenge for victory at Monaco

Lewis Hamilton has declared himself convinced that Ferrari possess the tools to genuinely challenge for victory at the Monaco Grand Prix — even as Mercedes continue to dominate the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The seven-time world champion, 41, made the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 campaign in what many billed as a dream partnership. In reality, his debut season proved difficult. Hamilton struggled to adapt to both the team's working culture and the problematic SF-25, ending the year 86 points adrift of teammate Charles Leclerc.

A Turning Point in Canada

The 2026 season, however, has told a markedly different story. Hamilton has looked increasingly at home with the SF-26, and his performance at the Canadian Grand Prix — where he secured P2, his best result yet for the Scuderia — suggested a driver rediscovering his rhythm. Crucially, he finished more than 30 seconds clear of Leclerc in the race, a dominant display that underlined his growing synergy with the car.

A key factor behind that breakthrough was Hamilton's decision to abandon Ferrari's simulator, which he claimed had been pushing his setup work in the wrong direction. The gamble paid off handsomely in Montreal.

Why Monaco Could Suit Ferrari

With the Monaco Grand Prix now taking centre stage, Ferrari have emerged as credible contenders to topple Mercedes from their perch. According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Hamilton is now "at one with the car" and "convinced" the team can "truly challenge" for the top step on the streets of Monte Carlo.

The reasoning is grounded in the nature of the Circuit de Monaco itself. The SF-26 reportedly "excels in traction exiting the slow corners" — a quality that the twisty, low-speed layout of Monaco rewards above almost anything else. Furthermore, the FIA's ban on straight mode at Monaco is expected to level the playing field on raw power, potentially neutralising one of Mercedes' key advantages.

Hamilton himself drew attention to that dynamic when speaking ahead of the race weekend. "That's the one track that power is not king," he said. "I think that's definitely car performance. I think our car could be really strong there. I'm really going to focus on making sure I arrive with the same energy as I had this weekend [Canada], really study hard with the engineers to make sure we position the car in the right place from Practice 1."

The Bigger Picture

Mercedes have been untouchable so far in 2026, but Monaco represents perhaps the most realistic opportunity yet for a rival team to break through. Ferrari will be acutely aware of that window — and if Hamilton arrives in Monte Carlo carrying the form and confidence he showed in Canada, the Scuderia will have every reason to believe this weekend could be the moment their 2026 campaign truly ignites.